Dr Hefin 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.
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.
Tributes have poured in for Hefin, with Eluned Morgan and Keir Starmer leading with messages of condolence and support for Dr David’s family.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer
Prime Minister 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.”
First Minister Eluned Morgan
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.”
Llywydd Elin Jones
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, in July, he backed a widow’s campaign for Owain’s law to improve brain tumour treatment.
Sioned Williams
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
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.”
Darren Millar
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.
MP Chris Evans
Chris Evans, the Labour MP for Caerphilly, said: “Hefin’s passion and dedication for Caerphilly was evident in all he did, and I will greatly miss him as a colleague and friend.”
Rhun ap Iorwerth
Plaid Cymru leader Rhun ap Iorwerth 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. Our parliament will be poorer without him.”
Vaughan Gething
Vaughan Gething, the ex-first minister who was supported by Dr David to run for leadership, said: “Hefin was funny and intelligent with a passion for social justice and his community.
“Much more importantly, he was my friend. It was a pleasure to sit next to him in the Senedd but also to share time together outside politics.
“He will be hugely missed by so many of us. My thoughts are with his family and Vikki.”
In 2023, Dr David published an important report, entitled Transitions to Employment, on empowering disabled people to overcome barriers to employment.
Luke Fletcher
Luke Fletcher, Plaid Cymru’s shadow economy secretary, said: “Hefin made a significant contribution to education policy over the years and I always appreciated our conversations, particularly on apprenticeship policy.”
Laura Anne Jones, a Tory who defected to Reform UK last month, said: “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 him and I admired his passion to improve additional learning needs policy, drawing on his experiences.
“He contributed greatly to politics in Wales, and will be missed greatly – politically and personally – in the Senedd.”
Jane Dodds
Welsh Liberal Democrat leader Jane Dodds 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, his staff members and his community in Caerphilly.”
Rhianon Passmore
Labour’s Rhianon Passmore, who represents the neighbouring Islwyn constituency, wrote: “No form of words can accurately express the sense of loss I feel for my friend Hefin.
“A loving father and astute politician, he was a communicator of talent and a true fighter for his constituents. Rest in peace my friend.”
Her colleague Mick Antoniw agreed: “He was a fine communicator, with a sharp intellect and sense of humour, and he was a strong advocate for autistic and disabled people.
“He will be truly missed.”
Andrew Morgan
Andrew Morgan, leader of the Welsh Local Government Association (WLGA), the voice of Wales’ 22 councils, added his voice to a chorus of tributes.
He said: “As a local government family, we are deeply saddened by the news of the untimely passing of Hefin David. Since his election in 2016, he had been a staunch representative for his community and had also been an active member of Caerphilly council for many years.
“At local and national levels, Hefin was a thoughtful and fearless politician whose loss will be keenly felt on the Senedd’s backbenches.
“On behalf of the WLGA, I extend my sincere condolences to his family, friends and colleagues at this saddest of times.”
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