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A former Labour member of the Welsh Assembly has been found dead, four days after he was suspended over allegations about his personal conduct.

Carl Sargeant, 49, faced what he described as "shocking and distressing" allegations, and had been suspended by the party.

The married father of two had said he resigned from his cabinet position as secretary for communities and children to clear his name, but Labour said he had been sacked.

In a statement on Twitter on November 3, Sargeant said: "I met with the First Minister today and he informed me allegations had been made about my personal conduct, which was shocking and distressing to me.

"The details of the allegations have yet to be disclosed to me.

(Image: Western Mail) (Image: Daily Mirror)

"I have written to the General Secretary of Welsh Labour requesting an urgent independent investigation into these allegations in order to allow me to clear my name.

"Given the nature of the allegations, I agreed with the First Minister that it was right that I stand aside from cabinet today. I look forward to returning to Government once my name has been cleared."

A family statement said his relatives were "devastated beyond words" at the loss of "the glue that bound us together".

First Minister and Welsh Labour leader Carwyn Jones said: “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.”

(Image: South Wales Echo) (Image: PA) (Image: PA)

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

Deputy Labour leader Tom Watson 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."

A spokesperson for the Welsh Assembly confirmed it would not be sitting today.

Mr Sargeant represented the Alyn & Deeside constituency in North Wales.

North Wales Police were called at 11.30am.

Supt Mark Pierce 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.

"The family request that their privacy is respected at this sad time.”

On Saturday, a Welsh Labour spokesman confirmed: "Carl Sargeant has been suspended from party membership, and therefore the Labour whip in the National Assembly for Wales, while an investigation into allegations received takes place."