Carl Sargeant: Mid Wales politicians 'shocked' by death of former Welsh government minister
Mid Wales politicians have been left "shocked" by the death of former Welsh government minister Carl Sargeant.
Mr Sargeant died just days after being sacked from his role and suspended from the Labour Party over allegations about his personal conduct.
Montgomeryshire MP Glyn Davies said he knew Mr Sargeant well.
"He was somebody I became very friendly with in the Welsh Assembly during my time there, and it will be shocking to everyone he has worked with," said Mr Davies.
"He was someone who always mixed with others, and was a popular person in the assembly.
"He did a lot of good for the country and was a cabinet member for a ling time until recently.
"Today the situation has taken a dramatic turn and this has come as a huge shock."
Montgomeryshire AM Russell George said: "It is terribly sad news.
"I was part of the assembly with Carl and with their being only 60 AMs everyone knew each other quite well.
"I feel for the AMs who have lost a friend.
"My thoughts go out to his immediate family and colleagues in the Welsh Labour Party."
Wrexham MP Ian Lucas said he was "devastated" by the news.
Carwyn Jones First Minister for Wales said Mr Sargeant would be a loss to both the Labour Party and the Senedd.
Clwyd South AM Ken Skates and Wrexham AM Lesley Jones released a joint statement which said: "We are devastated by the tragic death of our friend and colleague Carl Sargeant. He was a gentle but brilliant person, with whom we formed a strong friendship, working together as North Wales colleagues.
"He will never be forgotten by us as a kind, genuine and compassionate man, always determined to fight against injustice, particularly for people who did not have a voice."
Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn said the death was “terrible and deeply shocking news”.
Supt Mark Pierce from North Wales Police said: “At approximately 11.30am today North Wales Police were called to a report that the body of a man had been found at an address in Connah’s Quay.
"The man has been formally identified as local AM Carl Sargeant. His next of kin have been informed and police are supporting the family.
"North Wales Police are not treating his death as suspicious and the matter has been referred to HM Coroner."
