How MS brought humour to the Senedd

Caerphilly MS Hefin David, who died suddenly aged 47 last week, was known for his wit, warmth and humour during countless Senedd exchanges. Here, ICNN Senedd reporter Chris Haines looks back at how the popular politician brought humour to the Siambr

- Chris Haines

HEFIN David, the Labour Senedd Member for Caerphilly who died suddenly last week, was one of life’s great characters.

He was intelligent, thoughtful and genuine - a tenacious campaigner on behalf of his Caerphilly constituents, who was dedicated to improving people’s lives across Wales.

But he also had something in spades that few politicians possess: a proper sense of humour.

For many people, their abiding memory will be of a kindhearted family man who had a knack for making people laugh and smile - even at the most trying times.

In that spirit, we trawled through the archives to bring you just some of Mr David's very many witty contributions in the Senedd over the years.

‘We'll get one off Temu’

Often a forward-thinker, Mr David led a debate in February on future flight technology, everything from drones to flying cars, laying down a challenge to Economy Secretary Rebecca Evans.

“Far from being the stuff of sci-fi, these air vehicles are actually working” he told the debating chamber. “I invite the minister to try one - we'll get one off Temu.”

Scrutinising the housing minister in June, he asked whether the Welsh Government would give more money if the leader of Caerphilly council called for it.

“Just say, ‘yes’ and I'll let him know,’ he remarked before his colleague could answer.

Mr David was a heckler extraordinaire, often getting a ticking off from the chair.

Calling for order in January, Elin Jones, the Senedd's speaker or Llywydd, said: “Can we listen to the minister’s response? She’s being heckled by her own backbenches.”

Mr David jokingly set the record straight, pointing out he was heckling Plaid Cymru’s Cefin Campbell - not his partner, Vikki Howells, the higher education minister.

‘Don’t put that on a leaflet’