Keir Starmer leads tributes to Hefin David after Welsh Labour MS dies suddenly aged 47
The Prime Minister said the Caerphilly MS, who had been a member of the Welsh Parliament since 2016, was 'a powerful voice for the people of Wales'.
'The entire Labour movement will join me in grieving the loss of Hefin David,' Sir Keir said.
'He was a powerful voice for the people of Wales and a committed public servant.'
The PM added that Mr David had 'dedicated his life to making sure every person and community in Wales had the opportunities and support they deserve'.
Eluned Morgan, the Welsh First Minister and Welsh Labour leader, described Mr David as a 'much-loved' member of the Labour family who will be greatly missed.
Mr David's partner was Vikki Howells, the Cynon Valley MS and minister for further and higher education in the Welsh Government.
Baroness Morgan said: '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.'
Mr David, who was born in the Caerphilly constituency, was elected to Caerphilly County Borough Council at a by-election in March 2007.
He worked as a senior lecturer at Cardiff Metropolitan University, teaching human resource management and professional practice to undergraduate and postgraduate students.
In 2016, he was elected as Member of the Senedd for Caerphilly – succeeding Labour's Jeff Cuthbert, who became police and crime commissioner for Gwent.
Gwent Police said a 47-year-old man was found unresponsive at a property in the Caerphilly county area on Tuesday.
Paramedics attended and confirmed the man had died. His death is not being treated as suspicious.
Tributes have been paid to Mr David by politicians across the Senedd, with former Welsh Conservative leader Andrew RT Davies calling it 'heartbreaking and tragic news'.
Delyth Jewell, Plaid MS for the South Wales East region, said: 'The news about Hefin David is so desperately tragic.
'Hefin was always steadfast in his views, loyal to his roots, and he represented this area diligently.
'We were from different parties but worked together on many local issues. I will miss him. What a sad and dreadful loss.'
Gwent Police Chief Constable Mark Hobrough said: 'My thoughts and heartfelt condolences go out to all of Hefin's family, friends and colleagues at this difficult time for them.
'After I joined Gwent Police as the chief superintendent for the area covering Caerphilly, I worked closely with Hefin on many occasions and I found him to be an engaging and thoughtful individual.
'A dedicated public servant to Caerphilly, his commitment to our communities will be a significant loss.'
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