A top Labour minister in Wales has taken his own life after he was sacked from his position following accusations involving women.
The late politician, Carl Sargeant
An ex-Welsh Labour minister who faced a party investigation into allegations about his personal conduct has taken his own life, it is understood.
Carl Sargeant, 49, lost his job as cabinet secretary for communities and children last Friday. He was suspended from Labour after the first minister learned of a number of alleged incidents involving women.
A family statement said they are “devastated beyond words” at the loss of “the glue that bound us together”.
Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn said the death was “deeply shocking news”.
Mr Sargeant, who was married and had two children, was found dead at his home in Connah’s Quay, Flintshire, on Tuesday morning.
He was sacked from his Welsh Government job after allegations about his behaviour were passed to First Minister Carwyn Jones’s office. Mr Jones had said on Monday he felt he had no choice but to refer the matter to the party. Mr Sargeant had vowed to clear his name.
The Welsh Assembly’s business for Tuesday has been cancelled as a mark of respect following his death, and meetings on Wednesday and Thursday will also not take place.
In a statement Mr Sargeant’s family said: “Carl was a much loved husband, father and friend.
“He wasn’t simply a part of our family. He was the glue that bound us together.
“He was the most kind and caring husband, father, son and friend. We are devastated beyond words, and we know our grief will be shared by all those who knew and loved him.”
Former Plaid Cymru AM Rhodri Glyn Thomas said: “Carl clearly felt he had been found guilty before he had a chance to defend himself.
“So I think we need to develop a system which is fair to everybody, which defends everybody, but doesn’t place people in a position where they feel they have no opportunity whatsoever to fight their cause.”