South Wales East Senedd Member Mohammad Asghar has died

South Wales East Senedd Member Mohammad Asghar has died aged 74.

Mr Asghar, known as Oscar, was taken to hospital this morning (Tuesday, June 16).

The Conservative MS had represented the region in the Senedd for 13 years, and was the first BAME Senedd Member and the first Muslim elected to the Senedd.

Mr Asghar became a Plaid Cymru AM in 2007, but switched allegiances to the Tories in 2009.

Hi daughter Natasha has posted her tribute on social media.

Welsh Conservative leader Paul Davies described Mr Asghar’s passing as a “devestating blow” and said: “Our friend and colleague Mohammad Asghar has served the people of South Wales East in the Senedd with distinction for more than 13 years.

“I am sure that everyone will join me in sending condolences to his family.”

The Senedd’s presiding officer, Elin Jones said: “I am so saddened by the sudden death of our dear colleague, Mohammad Asghar. He will be missed by all in our Senedd.

“He was a friend to all across parties and was a true champion of his region and his country.”

Islwyn MS Rhianon Passmore said: “Though we often differed in our politics, ‘Oscar’ was one of the Senedd’s best characters. He will be greatly missed and I send my condolences to his family and friends.”

Merthyr and Rhymney MS Dawn Bowden said she was “very shocked and sorry to hear” of Mr Asghar’s passing, and offered her “sincere condolences to Mohammad’s family, friends and colleagues at this time”.

Caerphilly MS Hefin David said: “This is sad news indeed. Oscar will be much missed.”

Fellow South Wales East AM Delyth Jewell said: “Very sorry to hear that Mohammad Asghar has died. My condolences to his family and to his party colleagues in the Senedd.”

First Minister of Wales, Mark Drakeford, said: “I am saddened to hear of Mohammad Asghar’s death. My thoughts are with his family and friends today. His presence in the Senedd will be missed.”

Plaid Cymru leader Adam Price said: “On behalf of myself and Plaid Cymru I send sincere condolences to the family and friends of Mohammad Asghar. We remember Oscar for his dedication to the people of South Wales East and his long service in the Senedd.”

The Secretary of State for Wales, Simon Hart MP, said: “Mohammad Asghar was an extremely significant figure in Welsh politics, someone who contributed so much to his community.

“More than that, he was a renowned family man & a good friend to many. He will be fondly remembered.”