Senedd Sources

In this episode of the Senedd Sources podcast, Ollie Cole returns to join former First Minister advisor Jo Kiernan to break down the reality behind the 100-day milestone, the missing political leadership during key moments, and what Prime Minister Andy Burnham’s visit to South Wales means for Welsh politics. We look past the 96 ticked-off promises to explore whether laying foundations, task forces, and expert groups actually translate into tangible change for people in Wales—from wait times in the NHS to childcare and local transport. We talk: 🔹 Welcome Back & Reflecting on the New Senedd Members 🔹 Plaid Cymru's 100 Days: Arbitrary Milestone or Real Progress? 🔹 Foundations, Task Forces, and Policy Deliverables 🔹 Where is Rhun ap Iorwerth? The Politics of Summer Recess 🔹 Government Comms vs. Party Political Messaging 🔹 Prime Minister Andy Burnham Visits South Wales & Tate Steel Plaid Cymru has hit its 100-day milestone leading the Welsh Government, but where is First Minister Rhun ap Iorwerth - and what has actually been delivered? For more info on our LIVE Senedd Sources event, visit: https://seneddsources.com/live ✉️ Get in contact for our Q&A episode! WhatsApp Voice Note: 0333 404 6507 (Start your message with the word Senedd) Email: Hello@seneddsources.com 📍 Subscribe for weekly breakdowns of Welsh and UK politics from inside the Senedd so you never miss an episode! #WelshPolitics #Senedd #Wales #PlaidCymru #ReformUK #WelshLabour #WelshGovernment #SeneddCymru #Politics ***** Welcome inside Welsh politics. Senedd Sources hears from those who have lived it in decision-forming and policy-making for Wales to assess politics, today, in Wales and for Wales. Join journalist Ollie Cole and former Welsh Labour adviser Jo Kiernan they share their experiences, and shape conversation about Welsh politics today. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What does the future of Welsh politics look like? In this episode of the Senedd Sources Podcast , Jo Kiernan is joined by three new Members of the Senedd — Elwyn Vaughan (Plaid Cymru), Sarah Cooper-Lesadd (Reform UK) and Huw Thomas (Welsh Labour) — to discuss their first months in the Senedd and their priorities for Wales. The new Senedd has already seen plenty of political debate, and the three guests reflect on what they've learned since being elected, the challenges of becoming a new MS and what they want to achieve during the new parliamentary term. We talk: 🔹 The future of Welsh politics and the changing Senedd 🔹 Reform UK, Plaid Cymru and Welsh Labour perspectives on Wales 🔹 Sarah Cooper-Lessad's personal journey from being in care and adoption to becoming an MS 🔹 The challenges facing Wales' economy and youth unemployment 🔹 Plaid Cymru's plans for a new economic development agency 🔹 Goals for Wales by 2030 With a new political landscape taking shape in Wales, this episode offers an insight into the priorities, ambitions and challenges facing the new Senedd. For more info on our LIVE Senedd Sources event, visit: https://seneddsources.com/live ✉️ Get in contact for our Q&A episode! WhatsApp Voice Note: 0333 404 6507 (Start your message with the word Senedd) Email: Hello@seneddsources.com 📍 Subscribe for weekly breakdowns of Welsh and UK politics from inside the Senedd so you never miss an episode! #WelshPolitics #Senedd #Wales #PlaidCymru #ReformUK #WelshLabour #WelshGovernment #SeneddCymru #Politics ***** Welcome inside Welsh politics. Senedd Sources hears from those who have lived it in decision-forming and policy-making for Wales to assess politics, today, in Wales and for Wales. Join journalist Ollie Cole and former Welsh Labour adviser Jo Kiernan they share their experiences, and shape conversation about Welsh politics today. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Wales is in the grip of an extraordinary heatwave — wildfires spreading, drought declared across the country, and a COBRA emergency meeting called by Prime Minister Andy Burnham. In this episode of Senedd Sources, Ollie and Jo ask the big question: was the government's response actually enough, or just talk? The panel breaks down what really happens behind the scenes when a COBRA meeting is called, why Wales was left short of resources like helicopters early in the fire season, and whether the government's advice — including urging shops not to sell disposable barbecues — went far enough. They also look at the risk of rising food prices as extreme weather hits farming and supply chains. Elsewhere in the episode: - 97.7% of Welsh students hit A*-E — but is it good news? - How Wales' universities are £7m+ in deficit - Is Wales losing its brightest students to England? - The true scale of Wales' holiday homes row - And Senedd Sources Live is coming to Cardiff this September! A jam-packed episode covering the biggest stories shaping Wales this summer. For more info on our LIVE Senedd Sources event, visit: https://seneddsources.com/live ✉️ Get in contact for our Q&A episode! WhatsApp Voice Note: 0333 404 6507 (Start your message with the word Senedd) Email: Hello@seneddsources.com 📍 Subscribe for weekly breakdowns of Welsh and UK politics from inside the Senedd so you never miss an episode! #WelshPolitics #Senedd #WalesWildfires #COBRA #AndyBurnham #WalesNews #UKPolitics #PoliticsPodcast ***** Welcome inside Welsh politics. Senedd Sources hears from those who have lived it in decision-forming and policy-making for Wales to assess politics, today, in Wales and for Wales. Join journalist Ollie Cole and former Welsh Labour adviser Jo Kiernan they share their experiences, and shape conversation about Welsh politics today. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Is Wales' holiday homes policy causing more harm than good? The Welsh Government is reviewing the controversial 182-day holiday let rule after growing criticism from business owners, campaigners and politicians. In this episode of Senedd Sources, we ask whether the policy has backfired—and what happens next. This week, we dive into one of the biggest political debates in Wales, hearing from representatives of the Professional Association of Self Caterers (PASC UK Cymru), who argue the current rules are putting tourism businesses under huge financial pressure and taking a serious toll on people's mental health. We explore whether the policy is achieving its original aims, what changes could be on the horizon, and why this issue continues to divide opinion across Wales. We also discuss: 🔹 The latest on the quarry flooding investigation and the political response after homes were evacuated. 🔹 How Plaid Cymru's new government is using the National Eisteddfod to unveil major policy announcements. 🔹 Whether the government's first 100 days are living up to expectations. 🔹 The biggest stories shaping Welsh politics this week. If you want to understand what's really happening in Welsh politics, Senedd decision-making and the policies affecting communities across Wales, you're in the right place. 👍 Subscribe for weekly analysis of Welsh politics, interviews with key decision-makers and in-depth discussion of the issues making the headlines. ✉️ Got something you want us to dig into next week? WhatsApp Voice Note: 0333 404 6507 (Start your message with the word Senedd) Email: Hello@seneddsources.com #WelshPolitics #Wales #PlaidCymru #Senedd #HolidayHomes #182DayRule #Tourism #WelshGovernment #Eisteddfod #Politics ***** Welcome inside Welsh politics. Senedd Sources hears from those who have lived it in decision-forming and policy-making for Wales to assess politics, today, in Wales and for Wales. Join journalist Ollie Cole and former Welsh Labour adviser Jo Kiernan as they share their experiences, and shape conversation about Welsh politics today. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Is Wales is heading into a political storm this Autumn? Fresh off a headline interview with new Welsh Labour leader Ken Skates, Senedd Sources unpacks his boldest claim yet: he'd walk away from the top job "without being precious about it." Is that honesty — or a warning sign for Welsh Labour's rebuild? Meanwhile, the budget battle over additional learning needs funding is set to blow up again in September, and Plaid Cymru are learning the hard way that governing on a knife-edge majority means nobody backs down easily. Elsewhere, a public "battle of the airwaves" is playing out between UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham and Wales' First Minister Rhun ap Iorwerth - but will Farage's anti-establishment narrative beat them both in the end? Add in NHS waiting lists ticking back up after ten months of good news, and Wales' new government is facing its first real test. This week's episode covers: - Ken Skates' comments on his own future — and what they reveal about Welsh Labour - The £100m budget red line that could define the next Senedd term - Inside the "comms war" between Andy Burnham and Rhun ap Iorwerth - Why NHS waiting lists are climbing again — and what it means for Plaid's first term in power - Whether Welsh Labour has actually faced up to its May election wipeout Politics in Wales just got a lot more interesting. Don't miss it. 📍 Subscribe for weekly breakdowns of Welsh and UK politics from inside the Senedd. #WelshPolitics #Senedd #WelshLabour #PlaidCymru #NHSWales #UKPolitics #WalesNews #PoliticsPodcast ✉️ Got something you want us to dig into next week? WhatsApp Voice Note: 0333 404 6507 (Start your message with the word Senedd) Email: Hello@seneddsources.com Subscribe on your favourite podcast app so you never miss an episode! ***** Welcome inside Welsh politics. Senedd Sources hears from those who have lived it in decision-forming and policy-making for Wales to assess politics, today, in Wales and for Wales. Join journalist Ollie Cole and former Welsh Labour adviser Jo Kiernan as they share their experiences, and shape conversation about Welsh politics today. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Andy Burnham has officially become the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, marking the country’s 7th PM since 2016. Join host Calum Macdonald live from Downing Street on this special episode of The Sources Podcasts as we break down every moment of this historic handover of power. From Keir Starmer’s departure speech to Andy Burnham’s note-free address to the nation, we cover the immediate reactions, political strategy, and shock Cabinet appointments shaping the new UK government. In this episode: - Keir Starmer’s final speech and exit to Buckingham Palace. - Andy Burnham’s vision: Ending rough sleeping, re-industrialisation, and cost-of-living relief. - Expert analysis with Patrick Maguire (The Times), Cathy Newman (Times Radio/Sky News), Anna Mikhailova (Times Radio), Peter Cardwell (Talk), Alexander Brown (Daily Mirror), Stefan Boscia (The Times), Andrew Quinn (The Scotsman), and Kate Ferguson (Sun on Sunday). - Breaking Cabinet Announcements: John Healey as Chancellor, Ed Miliband as Foreign Secretary, Shabana Mahmood as Home Secretary, and Louise Haigh as Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster. 💬 What do you think of Andy Burnham's new Cabinet? Will his 10-year plan stabilise UK politics? Let us know 🔔 Don't forget to LIKE, SHARE, and SUBSCRIBE for more expert UK political analysis from The Sources Podcast network! #AndyBurnham #KeirStarmer #UKPolitics #DowningStreet #Number10 #BritishPolitics #LabourParty #UKPrimeMinister #TheSourcesPodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Can Ken Skates rebuild Welsh Labour? What does the new UK Government mean for Wales? And how will Andy Burnham and Stephen Kinnock reshape the relationship between Westminster and Cardiff Bay? In this exclusive interview, Ken Skates, the newly elected Leader of Welsh Labour, joins the Senedd Sources podcast to discuss his vision for the future of Wales, rebuilding the Labour Party, devolution, education funding, and the biggest political challenges facing the country. We also break down the latest developments in Welsh politics, including: - The appointment of Andy Burnham as the new UK Prime Minister - Stephen Kinnock becoming the new Secretary of State for Wales - The future relationship between the UK Government and the Welsh Government - Plaid Cymru, Reform UK and the changing political landscape in Wales - Education funding, public services and Welsh Labour's priorities - Why Ken Skates believes Wales needs a "devolution revolution" Ken also shares the personal story that shaped his politics, explains why he's determined to rebuild Welsh Labour, and even gives us a look at his impressive LEGO collection! 👇 Let us know what you think: Can Welsh Labour recover under Ken Skates? What do you think the new UK Government should prioritise for Wales? 👍 If you enjoyed this episode, please Like, Subscribe and hit the notification bell so you never miss an episode of Senedd Sources. ✉️ Get in touch! Have a comment or question you want us to dive into on the next show? WhatsApp: 0333 404 6507 (Start your message with the word Senedd) Email: Hello@seneddsources.com #WelshPolitics #PlaidCymru #WelshLabour #Senedd #Wales #UKPolitics ***** Welcome inside Welsh politics. Senedd Sources hears from those who have lived it in decision-forming and policy-making for Wales to assess politics, today, in Wales and for Wales. Join journalist Ollie Cole and former Welsh Labour adviser Jo Kiernan as they share their experiences, and shape conversation about Welsh politics today. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Plaid's first major test in government... and it didn't go to plan. This week on Senedd Sources, we unpack the budget battle that's piled fresh pressure on Rhun ap Iorwerth and Plaid Cymru after a dramatic showdown in the Senedd. What went wrong for Rhun ap Iorwerth's government, why did Labour refuse to back the budget, and what does this mean for the future of the Welsh Government? We also discuss the beginning of a new era for Welsh Labour, as Ken Skates takes over the party in Wales while Andy Burnham enters Downing Street. Can this new leadership team rebuild Labour's fortunes, - and what could it mean for the relationship between Cardiff Bay and Westminster? 📌 In this episode: - The Senedd budget bust-up explained - Is political pressure mounting on Plaid Cymru? - Rhun ap Iorwerth's biggest challenge yet - Ken Skates becomes Welsh Labour leader - Andy Burnham's impact on Wales - What happens next in Welsh politics? 💬 What do you think? Let us know in the comments. ✉️ Get in touch! Have a comment or question you want us to dive into on the next show? WhatsApp: 0333 404 6507 (Start your message with the word Senedd) Email: Hello@seneddsources.com #WelshPolitics #PlaidCymru #WelshLabour #Senedd #Wales #UKPolitics ***** Welcome inside Welsh politics. Senedd Sources hears from those who have lived it in decision-forming and policy-making for Wales to assess politics, today, in Wales and for Wales. Join journalist Ollie Cole, former Welsh Labour adviser Jo Kiernan and former Welsh Conservative candidate and adviser Craig Lawton as they share their experiences, and shape conversation about Welsh politics today. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week we're doing something a little different with a special Holyrood Sources x Senedd Sources crossover. While Jo is away, Ollie brings you the latest from Cardiff Bay before handing over to our colleagues in Scotland for a fascinating discussion on what Andy Burnham's rise could mean for Wales, Scotland and the future of devolution across the UK. In this episode we discuss: - Andy Burnham's Welsh opinion piece controversy. - Plaid Cymru's budget negotiations and governing challenges. - What a new UK Prime Minister could mean for the UK - How Scotland is viewing the political changes from Westminster. - A special Holyrood Sources panel recorded from Westminster. 📩 Got a question about Welsh politics? Send us a WhatsApp voice note or email and we could answer it in a future episode. WhatsApp: 0333 404 6507 (Start your message with the word Senedd) Email: Hello@seneddsources.com If you enjoy in-depth coverage of the Senedd, Welsh Government, Cardiff Bay and UK politics, make sure you subscribe so you never miss an episode. ***** Welcome inside Welsh politics. Senedd Sources hears from those who have lived it in decision-forming and policy-making for Wales to assess politics, today, in Wales and for Wales. Join journalist Ollie Cole and former Welsh Labour adviser Jo Kiernan as they share their experiences, and shape conversation about Welsh politics today. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The housing crisis in Wales isn't going away—but can the new Welsh Government actually fix it? In this episode of Senedd Sources, Ollie Cole sits down with Stuart Ropke, Chief Executive of Community Housing Cymru, to discuss one of the biggest challenges facing Wales: building enough affordable and social housing. With Plaid Cymru promising 20,000 new social homes over the next Senedd term, is the target realistic? We explore the funding challenges, planning delays, construction skills shortages, temporary accommodation crisis, and what needs to change if Wales is to tackle its housing emergency. We also discuss: 🏠 Can Wales really build 20,000 new homes? 💷 Is there enough funding for social housing? 🏗️ What's stopping homes being built? 👷 The construction skills shortage in Wales 🌱 The challenge of decarbonising existing housing stock 🏛️ What the new Plaid Cymru Government means for housing policy 📈 Why planning reform, infrastructure and long-term investment matter Whether you're interested in Welsh politics, housing policy, or the future of the Senedd, this conversation explains the key issues shaping housing in Wales. Subscribe to Senedd Sources for weekly interviews, analysis and explainers on Welsh politics, the Senedd and the decisions affecting communities across Wales. 💬 What do you think? Can Wales solve its housing crisis? Let us know in the comments. #Wales #WelshPolitics #HousingCrisis #SocialHousing #PlaidCymru #Senedd #AffordableHousing #Housing #Politics #CommunityHousing #WelshGovernment ✉️ Get in touch! Have a comment or question you want us to dive into on the next show? WhatsApp: 0333 404 6507 (Start your message with the word Senedd) Email: Hello@seneddsources.com ***** Welcome inside Welsh politics. Senedd Sources hears from those who have lived it in decision-forming and policy-making for Wales to assess politics, today, in Wales and for Wales. Join journalist Ollie Cole and former Welsh Labour adviser Jo Kiernan as they share their experiences, and shape conversation about Welsh politics today. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Reform UK’s rise is sending shockwaves through Welsh and UK politics — and the impact is already being felt in the Senedd. In this episode of Senedd Sources, the panel discusses how recent political turmoil in Westminster, including leadership uncertainty and shifting alliances, is reshaping the balance of power in Wales. With a new Prime Minister on the horizon, questions are mounting about the future of devolution, how Cardiff Bay will respond, and whether traditional party politics in Wales is being fundamentally rewritten. The conversation also explores: - The growing influence of Reform UK in Welsh political debate - What a new UK Prime Minister means for Wales and devolution - Internal pressure on Labour and the Senedd opposition - Whether political walkouts and confrontational tactics are effective - The future of Welsh governance in a rapidly changing UK landscape - And we say goodbye to Craig Lawton, who is sadly leaving the pod to start a few role elsewhere This is a moment of political change — and Wales is right at the centre of it. 📍 Subscribe for weekly breakdowns of Welsh and UK politics from inside the Senedd. ✉️ Get in touch! Have a comment or question you want us to dive into on the next show? WhatsApp Voice Note: 0333 404 6507 (Start your message with the word Senedd ) Email: Hello@seneddsources.com Subscribe on your favorite podcast app so you never miss an episode! #WelshPolitics #Senedd #ReformUK #UKPolitics #WalesNews #PoliticsPodcast ***** Welcome inside Welsh politics. Senedd Sources hears from those who have lived it in decision-forming and policy-making for Wales to assess politics, today, in Wales and for Wales. Join journalist Ollie Cole, former Welsh Labour adviser Jo Kiernan and former Welsh Conservative candidate and adviser Craig Lawton as they share their experiences, and shape conversation about Welsh politics today. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Drama has officially arrived in the expanded Senedd. In this week's episode of Senedd Sources, Ollie Cole, Jo Kiernan, and Craig Lawton unpack a tumultuous week in Welsh politics marked by a full-blown chamber walkout, a massive policy clash over international spending, and a surprise legislative win for Reform UK. First, we break down the fallout from Reform UK MS Joe Martin’s controversial speeches on asylum seekers and international development, which prompted Plaid Cymru, Labour, and Green MSs to turn their backs and walk out. Is this insurgent tactic here to stay, or will the Presiding Officer Huw Irranca-Davis clamp down with sanctions? Next, we dive deep into the numbers. Finance Minister Elon Jones is laying down a supplementary budget for the NHS and childcare pledges, but former First Minister Mark Drakeford has some choice words about Plaid’s math. Where is the money going to come from? Finally, we discuss the new statutory lobbying register—a massive early win for Reform UK—and break down the brand-new Senedd committee chairs. ✉️ Get in touch! Have a comment or question you want us to dive into on the next show? WhatsApp Voice Note: 0333 404 6507 (Start your message with the word Senedd ) Email: Hello@seneddsources.com Subscribe on your favorite podcast app so you never miss an episode! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Baby steps or budget headaches? This week, Plaid Cymru found itself under growing pressure to explain one of its flagship election promises: expanding childcare provision across Wales. Opposition parties are demanding answers on costings, delivery and timescales, while ministers insist details are on the way. In this episode of Senedd Sources, Ollie Cole, Jo Kiernan and Craig Lawton examine the first signs that governing may prove much harder than campaigning, as the new Welsh Government faces scrutiny from all sides. We discuss: Why Plaid Cymru's childcare plans are already under pressure The row over costings and whether the numbers add up The unexpected voting alliances emerging in the new Senedd How Reform UK is adapting to life as the largest opposition group The long-awaited announcement of Senedd committees Which parties could end up controlling key scrutiny roles Whether an expanded Senedd is coping with its growing workload The latest Labour Party turmoil and what Andy Burnham's leadership ambitions could mean for Welsh politics With the honeymoon period fading, committees finally taking shape and ministers facing tougher questions, Welsh politics is entering a fascinating new chapter. 🎧 Subscribe for weekly analysis of Welsh politics, the Senedd and policymaking. 📲 Send us your voice notes on WhatsApp: 0333 404 6507 (start your message with "Senedd") 📧 hello@seneddsources.com #WelshPolitics #Senedd #PlaidCymru #RhunapIorwerth #ReformUK #WelshGovernment #WalesPolitics #PoliticsPodcast #WelshLabour #Devolution #SeneddSources Welcome inside Welsh politics. ***** Welcome inside Welsh politics. Senedd Sources hears from those who have lived it in decision-forming and policy-making for Wales to assess politics, today, in Wales and for Wales. Join journalist Ollie Cole, former Welsh Labour adviser Jo Kiernan and former Welsh Conservative candidate and adviser Craig Lawton as they share their experiences, and shape conversation about Welsh politics today. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Plaid Cymru's honeymoon period is over. This week saw the first First Minister's Questions of the new Senedd term, with Reform UK taking on the role of main opposition and putting Rhun ap Iorwerth's government under immediate pressure over NHS waiting times, economic promises and delivery. In this episode of Senedd Sources, Ollie Cole, Jo Kiernan and Craig Lawton break down the first FMQs of the new government, Adam Price's increasingly high-profile economic agenda, and what the early weeks of Plaid Cymru's administration tell us about the challenges ahead. We discuss: Reform UK's first major test as the Senedd's largest opposition group Whether Plaid Cymru can deliver on its NHS waiting time promises Adam Price's plan to tackle Wales' productivity problem Renewable energy, investment and the row over pylons The battle over nuclear power and infrastructure investment Why Senedd committees still haven't been formed And what the changing politics of Wales means for devolution and the future of the Union With expectations high, scrutiny intensifying and Plaid Cymru now having to turn rhetoric into results, the first real tests of government are beginning. 🎧 Subscribe for weekly analysis on Welsh politics, the Senedd and policymaking. 📲 Send us your voice notes on WhatsApp: 0333 404 6507 (start your message with "Senedd") 📧 hello@seneddsources.com #WelshPolitics #PlaidCymru #Senedd #FMQs #RhunapIorwerth #AdamPrice #ReformUK #WelshGovernment #WalesPolitics #PoliticsPodcast #Devolution #NHSWales ***** Welcome inside Welsh politics. Senedd Sources hears from those who have lived it in decision-forming and policy-making for Wales to assess politics, today, in Wales and for Wales. Join journalist Ollie Cole, former Welsh Labour adviser Jo Kiernan and former Welsh Conservative candidate and adviser Craig Lawton as they share their experiences, and shape conversation about Welsh politics today. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Plaid Cymru has wasted no time setting out its priorities for government — but can Wales actually afford them? In this episode of Senedd Sources, we break down Rhun ap Iorwerth’s surprise intervention on the M4 relief road, the political risks of reopening one of Wales’ most divisive infrastructure debates, and the mounting economic pressure facing the new Welsh Government. Joining Ollie Cole, Jo Kiernan and Craig Lawton is David Phillips from the Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS), who warns that “the good times are over” as ministers prepare for some of the toughest budget decisions since devolution began. We discuss: - Whether Rhun ap Iorwerth can realistically deliver an M4 solution - The brutal financial choices facing the Welsh Government - Can Plaid Cymru afford its childcare and NHS pledges? - Why politicians struggle to level with voters about the economy - Potential cuts to public services and the civil service - How Wales compares economically to the rest of the UK - And whether there is actually room for optimism in the Welsh economy With budgets tightening, pressure mounting on public services, and expectations sky-high after the Senedd election, this is essential listening for anyone following Welsh politics, Plaid Cymru, or the future direction of Wales. 🎧 Subscribe for weekly analysis on Welsh politics, the Senedd, and policymaking. 📲 Send us your voice notes on WhatsApp: 0333 404 6507 (start your message with “Senedd”) 📧 hello@seneddsources.com #WelshPolitics #PlaidCymru #RhunapIorwerth #Senedd #M4 #M4ReliefRoad #WalesPolitics #IFS #UKPolitics #WelshGovernment #PoliticsPodcast ***** Welcome inside Welsh politics. Senedd Sources hears from those who have lived it in decision-forming and policy-making for Wales to assess politics, today, in Wales and for Wales. Join journalist Ollie Cole, former Welsh Labour adviser Jo Kiernan and former Welsh Conservative candidate and adviser Craig Lawton as they share their experiences, and shape conversation about Welsh politics today. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Senedd Sources, Ollie Cole and Craig Lawton break down the new political landscape in Wales as the dust settles after the 2026 Senedd election. Will Plaid Cymru actually be affective now they are in power, and are they facing pressure to deliver in the first 100 days? How will Reform and the Conservatives function in opposition? And will Mark Drakeford's intervention this week shake up the strategy in Welsh Labour? Is the former First Minister still a relevant voice within the party? We also discuss on the show: Reform UK’s new shadow cabinet and strategy. Childcare policy challenges and government spending. The future leadership battle inside Welsh Labour. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Plaid Cymru is in power. Labour is out for the first time in the history of devolution. And Reform UK is now the official opposition in a dramatically reshaped Senedd. In this episode of Senedd Sources, Jo Kiernan and Craig Lawton break down the election aftermath, Rhun ap Iorwerth’s first moves as First Minister, and what Plaid’s new cabinet tells us about the direction of the Welsh Government. From major cabinet appointments to committee battles and minority government maths, this is the inside story of how Wales’ new political era is beginning. With Plaid Cymru now governing without a majority, how difficult will it be to hold together a new administration while negotiating vote-by-vote in a larger Senedd? And what role will Reform UK play as a powerful new opposition force? Plus: - Why Labour faces a huge rebuilding challenge - The balancing act over farming, energy and net zero - How committee chairs and Senate numbers could shape Welsh politics for years 📥 Have your say! What’s the first thing the new Welsh Government should do? WhatsApp us: 0333 404 6507 (Start with 'Senedd') Email: hello@seneddsources.com ***** Welcome inside Welsh politics. Senedd Sources hears from those who have lived it in decision-forming and policy-making for Wales to assess politics, today, in Wales and for Wales. Join journalist Ollie Cole, former Welsh Labour adviser Jo Kiernan and former Welsh Conservative candidate and adviser Craig Lawton as they share their experiences, and shape conversation about Welsh politics today. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The face of Welsh politics has been utterly transformed. In this emergency weekend edition of Senedd Sources, Ollie Cole and Jo Kiernan dissect a brutal election day that saw Labour’s Eluned Morgan become the first head of a British government to lose her seat in modern history. With Plaid Cymru (43 seats) and Reform UK (34 seats) dominating the new 96-seat Senedd, we look at the "two-horse race" narrative that squeezed the traditional parties and what a Plaid Cymru minority government means for the future of Wales. Topics covered: The collapse of the Labour vote and Eluned Morgan’s resignation. Why Reform UK outperformed expectations (but missed their majority). The "Squeeze": How the new voting system backfired on its creators. Is Keir Starmer to blame? The view from Westminster vs. Cardiff Bay. The Liberal Democrat and Green struggle for relevance. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Is the 100-year reign of Welsh Labour about to end? 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿 As the polls open, Ollie Cole and Jo Kiernan dive into the final "vibes" of the campaign and the chaos of the new voting system. It’s Election Day in Wales, and the stakes couldn't be higher. In this episode of Senedd Sources, we break down the final polling, the exhaustion of the campaign trail, and the very real possibility that First Minister Eluned Morgan could lose her seat. The "Slugfest": Why this election has become a head-to-head between Plaid Cymru and Reform UK. The New System: How the 16 "super-constituencies" and proportional representation are baffling both voters and parties. The Keir Starmer Factor: Is the UK Prime Minister a help or a hindrance on the Welsh doorstep? Governing the Morning After: The "painful" reality of forming a minority government and why most manifestos are currently "unaffordable." 📥 Have your say! What’s the first thing the new Welsh Government should do? WhatsApp us: 0333 404 6507 (Start with 'Senedd') Email: hello@seneddsources.com ***** Welcome inside Welsh politics. Senedd Sources hears from those who have lived it in decision-forming and policy-making for Wales to assess politics, today, in Wales and for Wales. Join journalist Ollie Cole, former Welsh Labour adviser Jo Kiernan and former Welsh Conservative candidate and adviser Craig Lawton as they share their experiences, and shape conversation about Welsh politics today. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

With just one week to go until polling day, the race for Wales is entering its final stage — and the battle over energy and the cost of living is front and centre. In this special live episode of Senedd Sources, recorded in front of an audience at the Electric Brewery Field in Bridgend, Jo Kiernan and Craig Lawton are joined by representatives from Welsh Labour, Reform UK and Plaid Cymru to debate one of the biggest issues facing voters: energy bills. As households and businesses across Wales continue to feel the pressure, the question is simple — who has the plan to bring costs down? They discuss: - How each party would tackle rising energy bills - The push for energy independence in Wales - Onshore vs offshore wind — and the political divide - Nuclear, tidal and the future energy mix - Planning delays and why projects take so long - Whether communities are being brought along — or left behind - And how all of this could shape the final week of the campaign! With polling tight and momentum shifting, this live debate captures the key arguments defining the 2026 Senedd election. 🎧 Subscribe for weekly analysis on Welsh politics, the Senedd and the decisions shaping Wales. 📲 Send us your thoughts or questions: hello@seneddsources.com ***** Welcome inside Welsh politics. Senedd Sources hears from those who have lived it in decision-forming and policy-making for Wales to assess politics, today, in Wales and for Wales. Join journalist Ollie Cole, former Welsh Labour adviser Jo Kiernan and former Welsh Conservative candidate and adviser Craig Lawton as they share their experiences, and shape conversation about Welsh politics today. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.