Former Welsh communities secretary was also suspended from Labour party after allegations about improper personal conduct

The former Welsh government minister Carl Sargeant has been found dead days after it emerged that a number of women had made allegations of improper personal conduct against him.

Sargeant was sacked on Friday from his post as Wales’s cabinet secretary for communities and children, after the allegations, which the Welsh first minister later confirmed were in relation to a number of incidents concerning women, came to light.

Sargeant, a 49-year-old married father of two, is understood to have killed himself. North Wales police said on Tuesday that the death was not being treated as suspicious.

Jeremy Corbyn, the leader of the Labour party, said: “This is terrible and deeply shocking news. My thoughts and profound sympathy are with Carl’s family, friends and colleagues.”

The Welsh Assembly suspended all business on Tuesday as a mark of respect.

A family spokesperson said of Sargeant: “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 heart of our family. We loved him so very much. 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. We are in shock and grief. We ask that our privacy is respected at this time.”

Neighbours in Sargeant’s hometown of Connah’s Quay suspected something was amiss when they saw two ambulances and a police car outside his semi-detached home from about 11.30am.

One woman, who declined to be named, appeared upset as she walked away from nearby Bryn Deva school. She said: “We’re devastated because I’ve known him all my life. He’s a family man, he helps his community. If anyone wants anything he was there. He loves his family and he loves his community. He was the loveliest man you could meet. We’re all devastated.”

Bernie Attrim, the deputy leader of Flintshire county council and a childhood friend of Sargeant, was close to tears as he paid tribute to the late politician.

“The town has lost a very loyal assembly member,” he said. “He knew where his roots were, embedded in the town of Connah’s Quay. He’d always look out for Connah’s Quay. Although as a cabinet minister he had to look after all of Wales, I believe he wanted the best for his town. People are absolutely distraught this evening.”



Supt Mark Pierce, of North Wales police, said: “At approximately 11.30am today, Tuesday 7 November, 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.”

On Friday, Sargeant, the assembly member for Alyn and Deeside, said he had met the first minister, Carwyn Jones, and been told that allegations had been made against him.

He was suspended from party membership – and therefore the Labour whip in the Welsh assembly – “while an investigation into allegations received takes place”.

Jones said on Monday he had become “aware of a number of incidents at the beginning of last week”.

“I asked my office to speak to those women involved who had provided detail of those incidents,” Jones said. “As a result of those conversations I felt I had no choice but to refer the matter to the party.”

Speaking after Sargeant’s death became known, Jones added: “Carl was a friend as well as a colleague and I am shocked and deeply saddened by his death. He made a big contribution to Welsh public life and fought tirelessly for those he represented both as a minister and as a local assembly member.

“He will be a great loss both to our party and to the Senedd. My heartfelt sympathies are with his family at this difficult time.”

Tom Watson, the deputy leader of the Labour party, said: “I campaigned with Carl for many years. He was a powerful voice for working people and Wales. He put community at the heart of his politics and was respected by his constituents for it. My love and prayers are with Carl’s family today. This is a tragedy beyond words.”



In the UK, Samaritans can be contacted on 116 123. In the US, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is 1-800-273-8255. In Australia, the crisis support service Lifeline is on 13 11 14. Other international suicide helplines can be found at www.befrienders.org.

