‘A MINISTER WHO GOT THINGS DONE...’

Presiding Officer Elin Jones:

“I am deeply shocked and saddened to hear of the death of Carl Sargeant AM. He served the people of Alyn and Deeside with pride and determination and he made an enormous contribution to the development of this democratic institution... On behalf of all the Members and those who work at the National Assembly for Wales, I would like to express my deepest sympathy to his family and colleagues.”

Cabinet ministers Ken Skates and Lesley Griffiths 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. Our thoughts are with Bernie, Lucy, Jack and all his family, who are now without a wonderful, warm, loyal family man.”

Plaid Cymru leader Leanne Wood:

“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.”

Kirsty Williams AM, speaking on behalf of the Welsh Liberal Democrats:

“This is extremely sad and shocking news for all of us here in the Senedd and beyond. 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 he will be sorely missed. Our thoughts and sympathies are with his family at this incredibly difficult time.”

North Wales Police and Crime Commissioner Arfon Jones:

“I worked very closely with him as Cabinet Secretary for Communities and Children and I really rated him very highly. His heart was in the right place and he was never partisan. He really understood what the role of Police and Crime Commissioner was all about and the good it could contribute to public life. Our relationship was very positive, we got on very well and I would like to send my condolences to his family. He made a big contribution to the Welsh political scene and his tragic death is a great loss.”

Llanelli AM Lee Waters:

“Carl was a rare Cabinet Minister to achieve office without going to university and use the levers to fight for what he believed in, a genuine guy who was in politics for the right reasons. A passionate advocate for action on gender equality and domestic violence... and he got things done: Violence Against Women Act, Environment Act, Housing Act, Active Travel Act, Wellbeing of Future Generations Act.”

Think tank the Bevan Foundation:

“We are deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Carl Sargeant. Our thoughts are with family, friends and colleagues.”

Grant Mayos, the Fire Brigades Union’s executive council member for Wales:

“I am extremely shocked. I knew Carl well on both a professional and personal basis. He was Fire Minister for Wales on two occasions over the past decade. He worked well with the Fire Brigades Union and was always extremely helpful, and willing to meet with me and Head Office officials at the drop of a hat. The assistance he gave us in securing the Statutory Duty for Flood response in Wales was extremely welcome, and he ensured that once Welsh Labour had included this issue within their manifesto following representation by the FBU, that it would be followed through. I know nothing of the recent allegations against Carl, but I would like to put on record the sincere thanks of myself and FBU Welsh region for the professional and kindly way he approached his dealings with us. He represented his Alyn and Deeside constituency proudly. He was a trade unionist through and through.”

Connah’s Quay FC Nomads:

“It is with great sadness to hear that our president Carl has passed away. We will be cancelling all games this weekend in a mark of respect.”

Guto Bebb, the UK’s Goverment Minister in Wales:

“I am deeply shocked to hear about the death of Carl Sargeant. He was a hugely experienced public servant who served his constituents in North Wales with the utmost dedication. I send my deepest sympathies to his family.”