Welsh Labour politician Hefin David dies, aged 47

Tributes have been paid to the Welsh Labour politician Hefin David, who has died suddenly at the age of 47. Mr David had been the Member of the Senedd (MS) for Caerphilly since 2016.

Prime Minister and Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer described him as a “powerful voice for the people of Wales” who “dedicated his life to ensuring that every individual and family in Wales had the opportunities and support they need.”

On Tuesday evening, Gwent Police confirmed that a 47-year-old man had been found unresponsive at an address in Nelson, Caerphilly county, and that the death was not being treated as suspicious. His partner is Vikki Howells MS, the Welsh Labour minister for further and higher education.

Tributes from Across the Political Spectrum 🙏

Political leaders in Wales and beyond have shared their shock and sadness at the news.

Sir Keir Starmer said: “The entire Labour movement joins me in mourning the death of Hefin David. He was a vivacious advocate for the people of Wales and a dedicated public servant... Our hearts are with his family and those who knew and loved him at this difficult time. May he rest in peace.”

The First Minister and Welsh Labour Leader said: "We are all very saddened by Hefin’s sudden death. Our thoughts are with his family at this difficult time. Hefin was a much-loved member of the Labour family... He was an outstanding politician, warm and ardent, and a superb communicator."

Darren Millar, leader of the Welsh Conservative group, said: “My deepest condolences go to Hefin’s family and friends... He was a man who always stood up for his constituents and was admired on all sides of the Senedd.”

Rhun ap Iorwerth, the Leader of Plaid Cymru, said he was “deeply shocked and sad,” adding: “He brought passion, vigour, and a sense of thought to Senedd proceedings, and without him, our parliament will be poorer.”

Jane Dodds, leader of the Welsh Liberal Democrats, said: “All of us at the Welsh Liberal Democrats are sad to learn of Hefin David's death. Thinking of his loved ones, especially Vikki Howells, his children, his staff, and his community in Caerphilly.”

A Respected and Lively Politician

Mr David, who was first elected to Cardiff Bay in 2016, was known as one of Labour's most popular backbenchers and was never afraid to defy the party line. He made regular, lively contributions to Senedd debates and was once chastised for calling Plaid Cymru councillors in his constituency “mad as a box of frogs.”

He also served as one of five Senedd commissioners, who are responsible for the institution's day-to-day operations.

The Llywydd (Presiding Officer) of the Welsh Parliament, Elin Jones, said the entire Senedd was “devastated by Hefin’s death.”

“Our thoughts immediately shift to his partner, colleague and friend Vikki Howells MS, and his beloved children and families,” she said. “Hefin was so full of life and enthusiasm for his constituents and their causes.”

Laura Anne Jones MS, who recently defected from the Conservatives to Reform UK, called Mr David a “genuinely lovely person,” adding: “We got on well despite political divisions. He always had time for a kind word, a smile, or a funny anecdote.” She said he would be “greatly missed politically and personally in the Senedd.”