Hefin David, the Labour Senedd member for Caerphilly, has died suddenly at the age of 47.
Dr David, who had represented Caerphilly in the Senedd for nearly a decade, died on Tuesday evening.
His partner was Vikki Howells, a fellow Labour politician who represents Cynon Valley and serves as higher education minister in the Welsh Government.
Eluned Morgan, Wales' first minister, led tributes, saying: "We are extremely saddened by the sudden death of Hefin. Our thoughts are with his family at this terrible time."
"Hefin was a much-loved member of the Labour family. He served Caerphilly as a councillor and a Member of the Senedd with pride and passion."
"He was an outstanding politician, warm and enthusiastic and a great communicator – especially on behalf of his constituents. He will be greatly missed."
Dr David, a former lecturer who held a PhD, represented the St Cattwg ward on Caerphilly council until his election to the Senedd in 2016.
He was recently selected as number one on Labour's list of candidates for the new Blaenau Gwent Caerffili Rhymni constituency in next year's Senedd election.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said: “The entire Labour movement will join me in grieving the loss of Hefin David."
"“He was a powerful voice for the people of Wales and a committed public servant, who dedicated his life to making sure every person and community in Wales had the opportunities and support they deserve."
"“As Member of the Senedd for Caerphilly, where he was born and lived, he was incredibly proud of his community."
"“Our hearts are with his family and those who knew and loved him at this painful time. May he rest in peace.”
Elin Jones, the speaker or Llywydd, paid tribute to Dr David who was the Senedd commissioner responsible for budgeting.
She said: “As a Senedd community we are all devastated by the tragic news of Hefin’s death. Our thoughts go immediately to his partner, our colleague and friend, Vikki Howells and to his cherished children and family."
"“Hefin was so full of life and enthusiasm for his constituents and their causes. He was a passionate politician, loyal to his party, his country, and constituents. He was able to effectively work across parties and seek common ground."
“Hefin was particularly well-liked across the Senedd. “He was our commissioner with responsibility for finance and undertook that role with diligence and skill. The news is devastating and reminds us of the fragility of life and the need for us all to support each other.”
Welsh secretary Jo Stevens also paid tribute to a dear friend and colleague.
She said: “Hefin was a genuine, clever and caring man – deeply proud of Caerphilly. And, in Hefin, Caerphilly had a dedicated and committed representative.”
Dr David, a Labour backbencher who was unafraid to speak out or go against the party line, campaigned on behalf of constituents on issues including disability.
In December, Dr David, who had two daughters, led a debate calling for an end to the human rights scandal of autistic people being locked up in hospitals. And last month, he backed a widow’s campaign for Owain’s law to improve brain tumour treatment.
Plaid Cymru’s Sioned Williams said: “I worked cross-party with Hefin to protect disabled people’s rights, of which he was a true champion.”
Delyth Jewell, Plaid Cymru’s deputy leader in the Senedd, described Dr David as always “steadfast in his views and loyal to his roots”.
“He represented this area diligently,” she said. “We were from different parties but worked together on many local issues. I will miss him – what a sad and dreadful loss."
Jeff Cuthbert, his predecessor as Caerphilly’s Senedd member, said: “My thoughts are with his family and many friends. He was my friend as well as a trusted colleague and comrade."
Plaid leader Rhun ap Iorwerth said: "Hefin represented his constituency with tireless dedication. He brought passion, energy, and independence of thought to Senedd proceedings and our parliament will be poorer without him."
Darren Millar, leader of the Conservative opposition in the Senedd, sent his condolences to Dr David’s family, friends and Labour colleagues. He described the Labour politician as a man who always stood up for constituents and who was well-respected across the political divide.
Gwent Police said officers were called to a medical emergency when a 47 year-old man was found unresponsive at a house in the village of Nelson near Caerphilly on Tuesday evening.
A spokesperson added: "Paramedics from the Welsh Ambulance Service also attended and confirmed that the man had died; his family are aware and receiving support."
"The death is not viewed as suspicious, and a report will be submitted to the coroner in relation to the death."
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