The family of Carl Sargeant have said they cannot imagine how they would have coped without the huge support they have received since he was found dead after being sacked as a Welsh government minister amid allegations of harassment.
Carl’s son, Jack, said: “This has been the hardest week of our lives. It’s difficult to imagine how we would have coped without the support of other family members, the community and dad’s friends from across Wales.
“We have had so many messages of support from people who had met Dad once, or those who had never met him at all but knew from others what a kind, caring and genuine man he was. Knowing how much Dad was loved has helped us bear the pain.”
Jack said the family had been in the Welsh assembly on Tuesday and had been moved to hear the “heartfelt tributes” from members of all parties.
He added: “My mum Bernie, my sister Lucy and I have been overwhelmed by the support we have received since Dad’s tragic death last Tuesday.
“For us to be in the national assembly yesterday – to hear for ourselves the heartfelt tributes from his friends and colleagues in Cardiff – was also a very moving experience.
“We will always cherish the kindness extended to us during this time by friends and strangers like. As a family, we would like to say thank you from the bottom of our hearts.”
During an emotional hour-long session at the Senedd on Cardiff Bay, members spoke of Sargeant as an authentic politician who never forgot his working-class roots and campaigned against violence to women, homelessness and modern slavery.
A cabinet member, Lesley Griffiths, said her friend had a “beautiful, sensitive and vulnerable soul”.
The Labour assembly member Ken Skates said: “If there is to be a lasting legacy to Carl, it should be that we should all show a bit more love and care for one another. We should be kinder and more respectful to one another, not just here but across society, to change our culture for the better.”
Describing herself as a “proud feminist”, the Labour AM Rhianon Passmore said Sargeant was “a champion of equality and women’s rights”.
One member said Sargeant had worn a pink feather boa for a breast cancer awareness event, while a second recalled him putting on pink high heels to show solidarity with women who had been victims of domestic violence.
There were also moments of humour, with friends remembering how “Sarge” took up crochet to while on long train journeys around Wales and attracted curious looks as he produced dainty pink baby bonnets.
The Welsh first minister, Carwyn Jones, called on parties to consider how politics could be made “less brutal”.
Sargeant was found dead at his family home in Connah’s Quay, north Wales. He had been cabinet secretary for communities and children. The first minister has agreed to order an independent inquiry into his handling of harassment allegations made by three women.
Sargeant denied the allegations and his family have said he was left in turmoil by the Welsh Labour party’s refusal to disclose details of the claims against him.
A preliminary inquest hearing on Monday heard Sargeant’s body was found by his wife in the utility room of their semi-detached home. Family members and paramedics tried for up to half an hour to resuscitate him before he was pronounced dead. A provisional cause of death was given as hanging.
- 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 13 11 14. Other international suicide helplines can be found at www.befrienders.org.
