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Carl Sargeant
Carl Sargeant AM (28092342211).jpg
Sargeant in 2016
Cabinet Secretary for Communities and Children
In office
19 May 2016 – 3 November 2017
First Minister Carwyn Jones
Preceded by Jeffrey Cuthbert
Succeeded by Alun Davies
Member of the Welsh Assembly
for Alyn and Deeside
In office
1 May 2003 – 7 November 2017
Preceded by Tom Middlehurst
Succeeded by Jack Sargeant
Personal details
Born 1968
St Asaph, Flintshire, Wales
Died (aged 49)
Connah's Quay, Flintshire, Wales
Political party Welsh Labour (suspended from 3 November 2017)
Spouse Bernie Sargeant
Children 2, including Jack Sargeant

Carl Sargeant (1968 – 7 November 2017) was a Welsh politician. He worked for the Welsh Government. He was the Cabinet Secretary for Communities and Children. He also represented the area of Alyn and Deeside. He was a member of the National Assembly for Wales from 2003.

Carl Sargeant left his government role on November 3, 2017. He passed away four days later.

Carl Sargeant: A Welsh Politician

Early Life and Work

Carl Sargeant was born in St Asaph, Flintshire, Wales. His parents were Sylvia and Malcolm Sargeant. Before becoming a politician, he worked at a chemical plant. This plant was called Warwick International Limited. It was located in Mostyn.

He was a process operator there. He also checked quality and environmental safety. Carl was part of the plant's Emergency Response Team. He trained to be an industrial firefighter. He also helped lead Deeside College as a school governor. He was also a governor for Ysgol Bryn Deva primary school. Carl was married and had a son and a daughter. His son is Jack Sargeant.

His Journey in Politics

Carl Sargeant started his political journey in Connah's Quay. He was elected to the town council there. His interest in politics grew after 1980. This was when steel production ended in Shotton. This caused many people in the area to lose their jobs.

He became a strong supporter of social justice. He also campaigned against domestic violence. He identified himself as a feminist.

Important Roles He Held

Carl Sargeant was first elected as an Assembly Member (AM) in 2003. He represented Alyn and Deeside. This happened after Tom Middlehurst decided to step down.

In 2007, he became the Chief Whip for the Labour Group. He was also a Deputy Welsh Minister. This was for Assembly Business. He stayed as Labour Chief Whip when a new government was formed. This government was a partnership between Labour and Plaid Cymru.

In 2009, he became the Minister for Social Justice and Local Government. This was in the cabinet of First Minister of Wales, Carwyn Jones. Carl Sargeant was proud to be the first person from North Wales to hold this job.

CarlSargeant
Sargeant campaigned for a Yes vote in the 2011 Welsh referendum.

Standing Up for Wales

In 2011, Carl Sargeant made a big decision. He removed three commissioners from a government body. This body was the Local Government Boundary Commission for Wales. He said they had lost trust. This decision caused delays for a review of voting areas in Wales.

After the 2016 Assembly election, he got a new role. He became the Cabinet Secretary for Communities and Children. In 2017, he led the Welsh Government's response. This was after the Grenfell Tower fire.

Later Career and Passing

Carl Sargeant left his position on November 3, 2017. He was also suspended from the Labour Party. Carl Sargeant passed away at his home in Connah's Quay on November 7, 2017.

Many people shared their sadness. Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn said it was "terrible and deeply shocking news." First Minister Carwyn Jones said Carl made a "big contribution to Welsh public life." He also said Carl worked hard for the people he represented. The Welsh Assembly stopped its meeting that afternoon.

What Happened Next

After Carl Sargeant's passing, some politicians raised questions. They asked about how his situation was handled. Carl Sargeant's family also asked for a public inquiry.

First Minister Carwyn Jones said he had to dismiss Carl. He said this was after he received information. The next day, Jones announced an independent inquiry. This inquiry would look into his actions.

Carl Sargeant's passing led to a special election. This was for his seat in Alyn and Deeside. The election happened on February 6, 2018. Carl's son, Jack, became the Labour candidate. He was then elected to the seat.

In April 2018, Carwyn Jones announced he would step down. He said he would leave his role as First Minister by the end of the year. He mentioned going through "the darkest of times" since Carl Sargeant's passing.

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