Welsh Labour politician Hefin David dies aged 47
Eluned Morgan, the Welsh Labour leader, paid tribute to the Caerphilly MS, who has been a member of the Welsh Parliament since 2016.
Baroness Morgan described Mr David as a 'much-loved' member of the Labour family, who will be greatly missed.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer called him a 'powerful voice for the people of Wales', who dedicated his life to making sure every community in the country had the 'opportunities they deserve'.
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.'
In a statement following Mr David's death, Sir Keir 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.'
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.'
Plaid Cymru leader Rhun ap Iorwerth MS said: 'I'm deeply shocked and saddened to learn of the passing of Hefin David.
'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.
'On behalf of Plaid Cymru I send our profound condolences to Hefin's family and friends at this desperately sad time.'
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