DELYTH Jewell has been sworn in as Plaid Cymru's new AM for South Wales East following the death of Steffan Lewis last month.

Ms Jewell, who was born in Caerphilly and grew up in Ystrad Mynach, was second on the party's regional list in the 2016 Assembly Election, and was sworn in in a private ceremony on Friday.

Mr Lewis, who was 34, died on Friday, January 11, following a year-long battle with cancer.

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Ms Jewell said: “It is a tremendous honour for me to succeed Steffan Lewis as Welsh Assembly Member for South Wales East.

"Everything I do in my role will be to honour Steffan's memory and to serve the people he represented so well."

Ms Jewell is a former pupil of Ysgol Bro Allta in Ystrad Mynach and Ysgol Gyfun Cwm Rhymni in Fleur-de-Lys, and achieved an undergraduate and master's degree from the University of Oxford. She previously worked as a Parliamentary researcher, and played a role in campaigns for new laws against stalking and domestic violence.

South Wales Argus:

Delyth Jewell

She also previously worked for Citizens Advice and the charity ActionAid.

Plaid leader Adam Price said: “Whilst joining us under incredibly tragic circumstances, Delyth will be an asset to the Plaid Cymru group and shadow cabinet here in our Senedd.

"Delyth’s wide range of skills and talents will make her an exceptional Assembly Member and a champion representative – not just for South Wales East but for the whole of Wales."

Mr Lewis, a father-of-one, announced he had cancer in December 2017 and continued to work as an AM throughout his treatment - frequently appearing in the Assembly.

South Wales Argus:

Steffan Lewis. Picture: Plaid Cymru