Carl Sargeant, a member of the Welsh Assembly, has died. Police say he was reported dead on Tuesday in Connah’s Quay, North Wales. Sargeant was until last week the Welsh communities secretary. He was sacked on Friday following allegations about his “personal conduct.”

LONDON – A senior Welsh Labour politician has been found dead shortly after being named in the harassment scandal sweeping British politics.

Carl Sargeant, until recently a minister in the devolved Welsh Assembly, was found dead on Tuesday in Connah’s Quay, North Wales. Police said his body was found shortly before midday.

Multiple media outlets, including the BBC, ITV News, and his local newspaper, said he had taken his own life.

Sargeant, 49, had been Assembly Member (AM) for Alyn and Deeside since 2003, and was communities secretary in the Welsh Labour government until he was sacked on Friday.

He was removed from his position after unspecified allegations by women about his "personal conduct" and was under investigation by Welsh Labour party officials. He said he expected his name would be cleared.

A statement from North Wales Police, released Tuesday afternoon, said: "At approximately 11.30am today, Tuesday 7th November, North Wales Police were called to a report that the body of a man had been found at an address in Connah's Quay.

"The man has been formally identified as local AM Carl Sargeant. His next of kin have been informed and police are supporting the family.

"North Wales Police are not treating his death as suspicious and the matter has been referred to HM Coroner. The family request that their privacy is respected at this sad time."

Sargeant's last public statement was made on Friday, via his Twitter page. He said he did not know what the allegations against him were, but that he would step down while the investigation took place.

He said: "Given the nature of the allegations, I agreed with the First Minister that it was right that I stand aside from cabinet today. I look forward to returning to Government once my name has been cleared."

Sargeant was married and had two children. A statement from his family, reported by the North Wales Daily Post said: "He was the heart of our family. We loved him so very much.

"We are devastated beyond words, and we know our grief will be shared by all those who knew and loved him."

Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn tweeted condolences to Sargeant's family, and said he was "deeply shocked."

Carwyn Jones said he was "shocked and deeply saddened." The Welsh Assembly suspended its activity for the afternoon in light of Sargeant's death.