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Tributes have poured in for Caerphilly Senedd Member Hefin David, who has passed away aged 47.

Dr David served the Caerphilly constituency in the Senedd since 2016, and had previously represented the St Cattwg ward on Caerphilly County Borough Council.

Fellow Senedd Members and political colleagues, community groups, and Prime Minister Keir Starmer have all paid tribute.

‘Hefin never stopped speaking up for the place he called home’

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.”

Wayne David, who served as Member of Parliament for Caerphilly between 2001 and 2024, said: “In Caerphilly, we are all deeply saddened by this terrible news.

“Hefin was a close and true friend, a great colleague for many years, and a wonderful and dedicated Senedd Member for Caerphilly. He will be truly missed.”

Chris Evans, the current MP for Caerphilly, 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.”

‘Dedicated his life to helping others’

Cllr Sean Morgan, leader of Caerphilly County Borough Council said: “The whole community will be shocked and saddened to hear the news of Hefin’s sudden passing. On behalf of the council and the wider community, I would like to express my deepest condolences to his family and partner at this difficult time.

“First and foremost, Hefin was a dedicated family man who was devoted to his two young children, He was also a man who dedicated his life to helping others and improving the lives of everyone in the local community.

“He progressed rapidly in his political career, from initially being elected as a CCBC councillor to taking his seat within the Senedd. This is testament to his hard work and popularity as a politician who genuinely cared for others and worked tirelessly to support those in his constituency.”

Cllr Morgan continued: “He will be sorely missed by all those who had the privilege of calling him a friend, as well as those who worked with him throughout his political and professional career.

“Our community has lost a true champion of the people – and Welsh politics will be a poorer place without Hefin’s care, commitment and compassion.”

‘A true fighter for his constituents’

Islwyn MS Rhianon Passmore, who sat in both the Senedd and Caerphilly Council alongside Dr David, said “no form of words can accurately express the sense of loss I feel for my friend Hefin”.

Ms Passmore described him as “deeply intelligent and articulate” and continued: “A loving father and astute politician. Hefin was a communicator of talent and a true fighter for his constituents.

“From sitting next to him for over 15 years first within local government and then within the Senedd for nine years, I know he will never ever be replaced.

“He will be sorely missed both politically and as a friend. I will miss his witty banter across the chamber and his jokes about us sharing a surname (my maiden name is David). My sincerest condolences go out to all those he has left behind.

“And his star shines brightly forever.”

‘Passionate politician’

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.

‘A true champion’

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.

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.”

South Wales East’s Plaid Cymru MS Delyth Jewell 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.”

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.

Laura Anne Jones, Reform MS for South Wales East described Dr David as a “genuinely lovely person” and said: “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, Vikki and family at this terribly sad time.”

‘Genuinely committed to serving the people he represented’

Reverend Dean Roberts, CEO of the Trethomas-based charity The Parish Trust, paid tribute to a “faithful supporter of the charity” and said: “I had the privilege of working with Hefin on a number of projects over the years, most notably hustings events for Caerphilly constituents.

“I always found him approachable, willing to listen, and genuinely committed to serving the people he represented. His encouragement and support for our work meant a great deal to us as an organisation, and to me personally.”

Chief Constable Mark Hobrough, of Gwent Police, also paid tribute and said: “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.”

Prime Minister’s tribute

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.”