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Hefin David, the Labour Senedd Member for Caerphilly, has died suddenly.

Dr David, who had represented Caerphilly in the Senedd for nearly a decade, died on Tuesday evening.

Eluned Morgan, Wales’ First Minister, led tributes, saying: “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.”

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.

His partner was Vikki Howells, a fellow Labour politician who represents Cynon Valley and serves as higher education minister in the Welsh Government.

In a statement, Gwent Police said it was called to a medical emergency at an address in Nelson at around 6.55pm on Tuesday August 12.

Police said his death is not being treated as suspicious, and his family are being supported.