Latest news with #Hefin
Leader Live
13-08-2025
- Politics
- Leader Live
Welsh Labour MS Hefin David has died suddenly, First Minister says
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. Statement by Eluned Morgan MS, First Minister of Wales on the passing of Hefin David MS. — Eluned Morgan (@PrifWeinidog) August 13, 2025 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.' 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.'
South Wales Guardian
13-08-2025
- Politics
- South Wales Guardian
Welsh Labour MS Hefin David has died suddenly, First Minister says
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. Statement by Eluned Morgan MS, First Minister of Wales on the passing of Hefin David MS. — Eluned Morgan (@PrifWeinidog) August 13, 2025 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.' 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.'
South Wales Argus
13-08-2025
- Politics
- South Wales Argus
Tributes pour in over 'sudden death' of Hefin David MS
A former Member of the Senedd for Caerphilly, Mr Hefin David has died at the age of 47. Gwent Police received a report of a medical emergency at an address in Nelson at around 6.55pm yesterday (Tuesday, August 12) where Mr David was found unresponsive. Paramedics from the Welsh Ambulance Service attended and confirmed Mr David had died. Mr David's family are aware and receiving support and the death is not viewed as suspicious. Welsh Labour leader Eluned 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, a former lecturer who held a PhD, represented the St Cattwg ward on Caerphilly council until his election to the Senedd in 2016. 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.' Mr David 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. 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 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.' Mr David's partner was Vikki Howells, a fellow Labour politician who represents Cynon Valley and serves as higher education minister in the Welsh Government. Chris Evans, Member of Parliament for Caerphilly, on the passing of Hefin David MS said: "It is hard to believe that someone so vital as Hefin has passed away. Anyone who ever met him either personally or professionally would have been impressed by his passion and energy for his job. "Throughout his political career, he championed the people of Caerphilly. Whether on the airwaves, in print or on the doorsteps, Hefin never stopped speaking up for the place he called home. "As both a friend and colleague I admired him and will miss him deeply. My thoughts are with his family, his two young daughters and everyone who Hefin touched throughout his life." 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.' Laura Anne Jones MS said: "It is devastating news to hear Hefin David has passed away. "Hefin was a genuinely lovely person. Regardless of political differences, we got on well. He always had time for a kind word, a smile or a funny anecdote. "He always cared greatly for his constituents, fought hard for what he believed in and I admired him for his passion to improve Additional Learning Needs policy, drawing on his experiences. He contributed greatly to politics in Wales, and will missed greatly, politically and personally, in the Senedd. "My thoughts and prayers go of course to his two beautiful girls, Vicky and family at this terribly sad time." Responding to the passing of Hefin David, 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.'
ITV News
13-08-2025
- Politics
- ITV News
Welsh Labour MS Hefin David dies suddenly
Hefin David, a Welsh Labour politician and Member of the Senedd (MS), has died. The 47-year-old father of two was first elected as an MS for Caerphilly in 2016 and re-elected in 2021. His partner Vikki Howells is the MS for Cynon Valley and minister for further and higher education in the Welsh Government. Gwent Police said they were called to a medical emergency just before 7pm on Tuesday where a 47-year-old man was found unresponsive. Paramedics attended and confirmed the man had died. His death is not being treated as suspicious. In a statement, Welsh Labour leader and First Minister Eluned Morgan paid tribute, saying the party is "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.' Prime Minister Keir Starmer paid tribute describing him as "a powerful voice for the people of Wales and a committed public servant" and said many are grieving his dedication "to making sure every person and community in Wales had the opportunities and support they deserve." The Presiding Officer of the Senedd reflected on his "enthusiasm for his constituents and their causes". The Llywydd Elin Jones said: '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.' First Minister Eluned Morgan paid tribute to Hefin David, calling him an 'outstanding' politician. In his role as a MS, he focused on employability, access to further and higher education for those with additional needs and the development of Valleys communities. Before his election to the Senedd, Mr David was a Senior Lecturer at Cardiff Metropolitan University and served on Caerphilly Council in 2007 as a representative for the ward St Cattwg. He was also a governor of Heolddu Comprehensive School and Trinity Fields School and a trustee of the Caerphilly Miners Centre. Tributes have been paid to Labour MS Hefin David by politicians from across the Senedd. Andrew RT Davies, former leader of the Welsh Conservatives, said: 'Heartbreaking and tragic news that Hefin David, such a young Member of the Senedd with so much to offer and give to Wales and the community he loved has passed away. Delyth Jewell, Plaid Cymru MS for the South Wales East region, also wrote of her sadness at his death. She 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.' Jane Dodds, Liberal Democrats MS said: "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.' Laura Anne Jones, Reform MS described him as a 'genuinely lovely person.' "He always cared greatly for his constituents, fought hard for what he believed in and I admired him for his passion to improve Additional Learning Needs policy, drawing on his experiences. She added: "He contributed greatly to politics in Wales, and will missed greatly, politically and personally, in the Senedd." Hefin David recently appeared on ITV Wales' Sharp End in July, where he fulfilled his 'dream' of presenting the programme.
Wales Online
13-08-2025
- Politics
- Wales Online
Hefin David remembered as 'powerful voice for the people of Wales'
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". Content cannot be displayed without consent 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." Content cannot be displayed without consent 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." Article continues below
