Carl Sargeant’s son Jack wins late father's seat in Welsh Assembly
1 min read
Jack Sargeant, the son of late Labour politician Carl Sargeant, has succeeded his father in the Welsh Assembly seat left vacant following his death last year.
The Cardiff Bay assembly member died in November in an apparent suicide, just days after he was sacked from the government amid sexual harassment allegations.
His son Jack last night held the Alyn and Deeside seat and increased Labour's majority by more than a thousand votes - although turnout stood at just 29%, down from 35% in 2016.
Speaking on stage after the result was announced in Connah's Quay, Mr Sargeant said: "We are still are devastated by dad's death.
"This is a by-election we shouldn't be fighting. There are questions still to be answered. But tonight is not the night for those questions to be answered.
"Despite the tragic circumstances, this is now an opportunity to start a movement to change politics. Let's go back to traditional Labour values and look after those who can't look after themselves.
He added that he wanted "a kind message in life in general, not just in politics”.
"Let's be kind to each other - a message I learned from my dad,” he added.
Welsh first minister, Carwyn Jones, called for an independent inquiry into Mr Sargeant’s death last year following severe criticism of his own handling of the AM’s sacking.
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