BBC News
By Felicity Evans & David Deans
BBC Wales
image captionNick Ramsay has been a Member of the Senedd since 2007
The political future of Conservative MS Nick Ramsay is hanging in the balance as he awaits court action by his local party as well as a looming reselection battle.
Mr Ramsay faces a contempt of court hearing after refusing to pay the Monmouth Tory association £25,000.
He says he is not paying because he wanted to make a complaint about an alleged conflict of interest.
It comes as a new process begins to find a candidate for Monmouth.
In November Nick Ramsay took Monmouth Conservative Association (MCA) to court in an effort to stop them going ahead with a meeting to discuss a petition calling for him to be deselected.
Announcing his passing on Wednesday, a spokesperson for Monmouthshire council paid tribute to a “lovely man”. They said: “It is with great sadness we share the news of the passing of Cllr Dovey. He was a well respected elected member of Monmouthshire council for more than 12 years, also carrying out the responsibility of chairman in 2013. “David was passionate about all aspects of the council and representing his constituents. “He also chaired the strategic transport group on the council and was instrumental in developing the group to address traffic and concerns across the county. “Foremost, David was a lovely man - someone with a wonderful personality and a desire to always do his best.
“Foremost, David was a lovely man - someone with a wonderful personality and a desire to always do his very best. He was a loyal friend to many, as well as being a committed councillor and will be missed greatly in our chamber and in the wider community. “Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends at this difficult time.” More tributes have poured in for him on social media on Wednesday afternoon. Cabinet minister for education Richard John said: “Today we lost a close member of Monmouthshire Council and Monmouth Conservative Association, long-standing Chepstow councillor David Dovey. He was a kind man who took such pride in his community. Our thoughts are with his wife Steph and their family.”