Tributes paid to 'respect' AM Steffan Lewis n Parliament

The South Wales East AM died on Friday, January 11, following a year-long battle with cancer.

Conservative Welsh secretary Alun Cairns opened Welsh questions in the House of Commons on Wednesday by paying tribute to the Plaid Cymru AM, saying: "I am sure the House will want to join me in paying tribute and respect to the Assembly Member Steffan Lewis, who sadly died just over a week ago

"He was a bright and dedicated politician who had an exceptional future ahead of him, with so much to offer Wales.

"My thoughts and payers are with his wife Shona and son Celyn ant this most difficult time."

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Other MPs also paid tribute, with Islwyn's Chris Evans saying: "As his local MP I always admired him and respected him.

The Labour MP added: "His passion for Wales will be greatly missed in the National Assembly. It’s a loss to Welsh political life."

And Ogmore's Chris Elmore, also Labour, said: "He and I worked together as young researchers at the National Assembly for Wales.

"We must remember the words of our colleague Jo Cox, that we do have a lot more in common across this house and across the devolved institutions."

Labour's Cardiff North MP Anna McMorrin remembered Mr Lewis as "One of the most able and talented politicians Wales has ever had."

Steffan Lewis, pictured at Plaid Cymru's 1997 conference

Mr Lewis’ funeral will be held at Welsh Church (St Luke’s Church), 21 Twyn Road, Abercarn, from 12.30pm on Friday, January 25. The service is open to the public and will be followed by a private committal at Abercarn Cemetery.

Family flowers only, but donations may be made to Velindre Cancer Centre, where Mr Lewis was treated during his illness, via Woodland Park Funeral Directors, Penmaen, Blackwood, NP12 0EU.