Mourners pay their respects to Carl Sargeant

1 December 2017, 13:10

Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn has joined mourners at the funeral of sacked Welsh minister Carl Sargeant.

The 49-year-old was found hanged at his home in Connah's Quay, North Wales, on November 7, four days after being removed from his role as cabinet secretary for communities and children.

On Friday, friends, family and colleagues gathered at St Mark's Church in Connah's Quay for his funeral at midday.

Mr Corbyn was among the mourners, along with UKIP AM Neil Hamilton and Alyn and Deeside MP Mark Tami.

First Minister of Wales Carwyn Jones did not attend the service at the request of Mr Sargeant's family.

The funeral was due to be followed by karaoke in the Connah's Quay Labour Club.

The church was full for the service with mourners, who were asked to wear brightly coloured clothes, also gathering outside.

Those attending were given white ribbons to wear as part of a campaign to end domestic violence against women, which was supported by Mr Sargeant.

The order of service described the funeral as a "service to celebrate the life of Carl Sargeant" and included the phrase "laugh, sing, dance and go on".

Mr Tami said: "It's been very difficult for everyone.

"The number of people here shows what Carl meant and what he did."

Mr Sargeant's son, Jack, had said the service would be a "celebration" of his father's life.

He said: "Everyone who knew Dad will understand he wouldn't want it any other way.

"He was never one for pomp. He was never one for 'airs and graces'. That was never his style.

"So we ask that there be no formal suits nor black worn on this day of celebration.

"We want people to wear something that makes them feel happy and to come and remember Dad as he was - kind, generous and the life and soul of the party."