00:00The Welsh political world is mourning the sudden death of Hevin David, Labour member
00:06of the Senedd of Cofili at the age of 47.
00:09Born and raised in the community he would go on to represent, Dr David began his career
00:13in higher education working as a lecturer at Cardiff Metropolitan University.
00:18Colleagues say that his journey from undergraduate to senior academic shaped his passion for
00:22making education accessible to all, not just the privileged few.
00:28Started to the Senedd in 2016, he became known for his work on additional learning needs
00:32and tireless advocacy for autistic people, informed by his experience as a father to
00:36an autistic child.
00:38He served in the cross-party autism group, called for reforms to the mental health detention,
00:43and researched how to best support autistic people into employment.
00:48Tributes have poured in from across the political divides.
00:51First Minister Leonard Morgan said he was a warm, enthusiastic and an outstanding politician.
00:56Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer called him a powerful voice for the people of Wales.
01:03From the Conservatives, former leader Andrew R.T. Davies described his death as heartbreaking
01:07and tragic, Plaid Cymru's death duel says he was loyal to his roots and has represented
01:12the area diligently.
01:14The former MS Laura Ann Jones remembered him as a genuinely lovely person who always had time
01:20for a kind word.
01:22Beyond politics, the National Autistic Society Cymru hailed him as a true champion for autistic
01:27people, while Gwent Police praised his commitment to the communities of Cofili.
01:32Heaven David is survived by his partner, fellow MS Vicky Howells, and his children.
01:36His death has been described as a devastating loss to Welsh politics, to Cofili, and to all
01:41who knew him.
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