SENEDD members came together today in the first session after the summer recess to pay tribute to Labour member Hefin David.

The Welsh Parliament’s flags were flying at half mast as Dr David’s family and friends came into the Senedd to hear the debate in his honour.

The Senedd speaker Elin Jones said: “Returning today is so bittersweet. We return today as 59 members, and we all feel the loss of our dear friend, Hefin David.”

As family and friends sat in the public gallery a bouquet of flowers sat in Dr David’s seat in the chamber.

Senedd members stood for a minute’s silence before First Minister Eluned Morgan paid her own tribute.

“Some people leave a mark quietly and others leave it loudly and Hefin did both.”

Members from around the chamber paid tribute to Dr David’s contributions to the Senedd, but did not reference his humorous talents as Labour’s back-bench heckler-in-chief.

A by-election has been called for October 23 for the Caerphilly Senedd constituency.