Welsh politics mourns the death of Hefin David MS, 47

Local TV

Hefin David MS has died aged 47, after being found unresponsive in his home in Nelson, Caerphilly. Tributes have come in from across the political spectrum in Wales, with PM Sir Kier Starmer calling him a “powerful voice for the people of Wales and a committed public servant”.

Transcript

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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