Caerphilly politician Hefin David found dead at home | UK News

An inquest has been opened into the sudden death of Welsh Labour politician Hefin David.

Mr David had been Member of the Senedd (MS) for Caerphilly since 2016.

The 47-year-old was found unresponsive at a property in Nelson, Caerphilly county, on 12 August, police said.

The hearing at Gwent Coroner’s Court on Tuesday heard that the full inquest into his death will be held on 7 April 2026.

Area coroner Rose Farmer said the cause of death was unascertained, pending toxicology.

Mr David was identified at the scene by his sister, she added.

Mr David was found hanging at his home, the inquest heard.

Elected to Cardiff Bay in 2016, he was one of the more prominent Labour backbench members and was never afraid to go against the party line.

Popular with politicians from across the political divide and journalists in Cardiff Bay, he made regular, lively contributions to Senedd debates, and was once reprimanded for calling Plaid Cymru councillors in his constituency as “mad as a box of frogs”.

He was also one of five Senedd commissioners, responsible for the day-to-day running of the institution.

Before becoming a full-time politician, Mr David lectured at Cardiff Metropolitan University, teaching human resource management to undergraduates and postgraduates.

He was also a Caerphilly councillor for a decade.

Mr David’s family said: “It is clear from the very many messages we have received that Hefin was widely respected and held in genuine affection by the community he represented, and by those he worked with during his many years of public service.

But more than this, Hefin was a devoted father who was adored by his daughters Caitlin and Holly, a much loved son to Wynne and Christine, a beloved brother to Siân, a brilliant uncle to Osian and Catrin, and a soulmate to his cherished partner Vikki.

“We are very grateful to all those who have reached out to us since Hefin’s passing, and ask now for privacy to grieve.”

Prime Minister Sir Keir called Mr David a “powerful voice for the people of Wales”, while Welsh First Minister Eluned Morgan said he was an “outstanding politician” and “much-loved member of the Labour family”.

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