Hefin David remembered as 'powerful voice for the people of Wales'
Welsh Labour MS Hefin David has died suddenly at the age of 47
Hefin David had served as the MS for Caerphilly since 2016
(Image: Matthew Horwood)
Tributes have poured in after the sudden death of Hefin David, who served as the Senedd Member for Caerphilly since 2016. Mr David died on Tuesday evening aged 47, the day before his birthday.
First Minister and Welsh Labour leader Eluned Morgan led tributes to the politician. She 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."
Tributes have also flooded in from Westminster, with Keir Starmer calling him a "powerful voice for the people of Wales".
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The Secretary of State for Wales, Jo Stevens, added that Mr David was a "genuine, clever and caring man". She said: "The death of Hefin David is devastating news. We have lost a dear friend and colleague.
"Hefin was a genuine, clever and caring man. Deeply proud of Caerphilly, and in Hefin, Caerphilly had a dedicated and committed representative.
"My thoughts, and those of all Hefin's Welsh colleagues in Parliament, are with his family and many, many friends."
Colleagues of Mr David from all sides of the Senedd have also paid tribute to their colleague. Commenting on the sad passing of Hefin David MS, the Leader of the Welsh Conservatives, Darren Millar MS, said: "I am very sad to hear the shocking news of Hefin David's death.
"My deepest condolences go to Hefin's family and friends, and I would also like to extend my condolences to the Welsh Labour Party.
"He was a man who always stood up for his constituents and was respected on all sides of the Senedd."
Tom Giffard, the Senedd Member for South Wales West and a member of the Welsh Conservatives said it was rare that you call someone from another party a friend but that Mr David was "certainly that".
He added: "Hefin was a true maverick, a backbencher willing to call out the Government in standing up for his constituents and the things he believed in."
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The Liberal Democrats also paid tribute to the Labour politician. Jane Dodds MS said: "All of us at the Welsh Liberal Democrats are saddened to hear about the death of Hefin David.
"We are all thinking of his loved ones, especially his wife Vikki Howells MS and his children, his staff members and his community in Caerphilly."
Commenting on the news that MS for Caerphilly Hefin David has passed away, the Llywydd Elin Jones 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 MS 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."
Gwent Police were called to a property in Nelson at around 6.55pm on Tuesday, August 12. Officers attended and after entering the property found a 47-year-old man unresponsive inside.
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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