Welsh politics and Welsh housing were left shocked and saddened at the news about the death of Carl Sargeant.
The former communities and children secretary was found dead at his home in Connah’s Quay at 11.30 on Tuesday morning.
He left his position in the cabinet and was suspended from the Labour party on Friday following allegations about his personal conduct but said ‘I look forward to returning to government once my name has been cleared’.
In a statement to the media, his family said:
‘He wasn’t simply a part of our family. He was the glue that bound us together. He was the heart of our family. We loved him so very much.
‘We are devastated beyond words, and we know our grief will be shared by all those who knew and loved him. We are in shock and grief. We ask that our privacy is respected at this time.’
North Wales Police said: ‘North Wales Police are not treating his death as suspicious and the matter has been referred to HM Coroner. The family request that their privacy is respected at this sad time.’
As the news broke on Tuesday, all business was suspended in the Welsh Assembly and politicians from all parties and organisations from across the housing world expressed their sympathy and said their thoughts were with his family and friends.
First minister Carwyn Jones said:
— Carwyn Jones (@fmwales) November 7, 2017
Plaid Cymru leader Leanne Wood said:
‘Carl Sargeant made a significant contribution to Welsh politics, both as an Assembly Member and a government minister. On behalf of Plaid Cymru, I send our deepest sympathies to his family, friends and colleagues at this difficult time.”
Welsh Conservatives leader Andrew RT Davies said:
‘This is unspeakably sad news. Our Parliament has lost a stalwart and many of us have lost a friend. Our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with Carl’s famiy, friends, and our colleagues in the Welsh Labour Party.’
Kirsty Williams said on behalf of the Welsh Liberal Democrats:
‘Not only was Carl a dedicated local Assembly member, but he was an effective government minister who had a significant impact across political life at a national and community level.
‘Carl was a good friend for many years and will be sorely missed. Our thoughts and sympathies are with his family at this incredibly difficult time.
Carl Sargeant had been AM for Alyn and Deeside since 2003 and held several different positions in the Cabinet including two spells in charge of housing as minister for housing and regeneration from 2013 to 2014 and cabinet secretary for communities and children from 2016 until last week.
He successfully piloted the first Welsh Housing Act through the Assembly in 2014 and was a popular minister known for his passionate commitment to social housing, equalities and tackling homelessness and domestic abuse.
For more on Carl Sergeant and his legacy, see these blogs by Peter Black, Duncan Forbes and Tamsin Stirling.