Welsh Labour MS Hefin David dies suddenly

• ITV Wales reporter Hamish Auskerry reflects on the life and career of the 'much-loved' Member of the Senedd for Caerphilly.

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."

The First Minister continued: "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 also paid tribute, describing Hefin David 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.

• First Minister Eluned Morgan paid tribute to Hefin David, calling him an 'outstanding' politician.

She added: “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.”

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.

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