Politicians, family and friends mark a year since Carl Sargeant's death

A book of condolences in the Senedd in November 2017 Credit: ITV News, Adrian Masters

Assembly members from different parties have gathered privately to mark the anniversary of the death of the former government minister Carl Sargeant.

They swapped memories at a get-together described to me as 'emotional' before the start of the afternoon's plenary session, while enjoying some of his favourite snacks - chip butties and custard creme biscuits!

AMs enjoyed chip butties and custard cremes while remembering Carl Sargeant Credit: ITV News, Adrian Masters

The Llywydd Elin Jones used the start of business to mark the anniversary and to send the Assembly's condolences to his family including Jack Sargeant who now represents his father's constituency.

Carl Sargeant was found dead at his home in Connah's Quay on the 7th November 2017. Coroner's hearings will take place later this month but when the inquest opened last year it heard the cause of death was likely to be from hanging.

The Chair of the Labour group of AMs, Vikki Howells, issued this statement:

Credit: Sargeant family

The AM for Alyn and Deeside had been sacked from Carwyn Jones' cabinet the previous week. At the same time he was suspended from the Labour party and an investigation was launched into sexual harassment allegations made against him.

His death led to an unprecedented mixture of grief and anger in Assembly politics, much of it directed at the First Minister and his handling of the allegations and sacking.

He agreed to an independent investigation into those issues which is to be conducted by the QC Paul Bowen. It was due to have begun work by now but has been put on hold until a legal challenge concludes.

That was brought against the Welsh Government by the Sargeant family who want their lawyers to be able to question witnesses.

A spokesperson for the Bowen inquiry confirmed the pause:

Meanwhile the Coroner is due to begin hearings on November 26th. He'll question the First Minister and his advisers as well as Labour party officials and family and friends of Carl Sargeant.

Assembly members have been tweeting their thoughts on today's anniversary.

The tributes also came from political opponents.