Walescast

Fliss is joined by our Political Editor Gareth Lewis and David Philips from the Institute for Fiscal Studies to discuss the Welsh Liberal Democrats manifesto launch. We have now discussed all of the six main parties manifestos. You can find the rest on BBC Sounds. They also reflect on the details they've digested over the past few weeks.

Walescast hits the road to speak to voters across the country. This week, James is in Bangor, part of the new Bangor Conwy Môn constituency. He talks to local people about the issues that matter most to them ahead of the Senedd election — and asks whether they think the result on May 7th will make a difference.The BBC have published a full list of candidates for every constituency in Wales on the BBC news website - where you'll also find everything you need to know ahead of the polling day. We've also got lots more content available on BBC Sounds - just search for Wales Election 2026.

Today, Fliss and James are joined by Luke Tryl from More in Common to discuss his recent trip to Wales and what he's been hearing from voters. The UK Director has been running focus groups across the country, exploring why people are planning to vote the way they are and the issues that matter most to them. We also hear from Ben Summer with the latest update on the Undercover Voters project and what he's seeing so far across the six voter profiles.

Fliss is joined by our Political Editor Gareth Lewis and David Philips from the Institute for Fiscal Studies to discuss a busy week of manifesto launches from Plaid Cymru and the Wales Green Party.

Walescast hits the road to speak to voters across the country. This week, James is in Cardigan, part of the new Ceredigion Penfro constituency. He talks to local people about the issues that matter most to them ahead of the Senedd election and whether they think the result on May the 7th will make a difference.The BBC will be publishing a full list of candidates for every constituency in Wales on the BBC news website - where you'll also find everything you need to know ahead of the polling day. We've also got lots more content available on BBC Sounds - just search for Wales Election 2026.

Walescast hits the road to speak to voters across the country. This week, James is in Treorchy, part of the new Afan Ogwr Rhondda constituency. He talks to local people about the issues that matter most ahead of the Senedd election — and asks whether they think the result on May 7th will make a difference.The BBC will be publishing a full list of candidates for every constituency in Wales on the BBC news website - where you'll also find everything you need to know ahead of the polling day. We've also got lots more content available on BBC Sounds - just search for Wales Election 2026.

Fliss is joined by our Political Editor Gareth Lewis and David Philips from the Institute for Fiscal Studies to discuss the Welsh Labour manifesto launch and to mop up another campaign launch for the Welsh Green party. You can find our other ''The Manifesto Launches'' episodes on BBC Sounds - we will be covering six of the main parties launches.

Until the 7th of May, the BBC will be looking into how the Senedd election is unfolding on social media feeds across Wales.On this episode of Walescast, Ben Summer from the News Impact Team, joins Fliss and James to explain how.Using data and analysis from the National Centre for Social Research, he has set up six social media profiles for fictional voters based in different parts of Wales.Ben is hoping they can give us a glimpse into the type of content people are being shown.The full series of Undercover Voters will be available online on BBC Wales and Ben will be returning to Walescast weekly to provide updates.It is based on a project by Marianna Spring who originally came up with this idea and used it in experiments for the Americast podcast and the 2024 UK General Election.

Following the Senedd shutting up shop... Walescast kicks off it's dedicated election coverage with a look back at what's happened over the weekend and what's coming up this week. On this Monday Briefing Fliss and James discuss campaign launches and what happens if no party reaches a majority.

It's the final week for Senedd business ahead of the Welsh election. Fliss and James have set up shop in the new Siambr to talk about polls, policies and what lies ahead for the political parties in May. They are joined by BBC Wales Correspondents, our Political Editor Gareth Lewis and Dr Jac Larner from Wales Governance Centre. You can watch this episode of Walescast on BBC iPlayer.

Following the first in a series of BBC Wales election debates James is joined by Welsh political commentators Will Hayward and Betsan Powys to digest the details. They also speak to the Presenter Nick Servini and Political Editor Gareth Lewis live from Wrexham. You can hear all about the big issues raised on the day in this special episode of Walescast that will also be providing coverage of all the election programmes.

Walescast heads to St John's Church in Canton for the Wales Green's Action Day. James talks to their Welsh leader Anthony Slaughter and the party leader for England and Wales Zack Polanski. He also catches up with other members as they knock doors around the city as well as BBC Wales Political Correspondent Cemlyn Davies.This episode is the final trip Walescast made to the six main parties events, rallies and conferences in the run up to the Senedd election.

Fliss is joined by Nick Servini as campaigns heat up on the road to the 2026 Senedd election. They catch up with Joanna Stallard from Welsh Labour, Jason O'Connell from Reform UK and Rodney Berman from the Welsh Liberal Democrats. Walescast was joined by Plaid Cymru, the Welsh Conservatives and the Green Party on last week's episode.We are back on TV for a few weeks and you can watch this episode on BBC1 Wales and iPlayer.

Walescast heads to the Leonardo Hotel in Cardiff for the Welsh Liberal Democrats conference. Fliss talks to their leader Jane Dodds, their MP David Chadwick and other candidates and members. We also catch up with our Political Correspondent Rhodri Lewis to digest the day. This episode makes up one of the many trips Walescast has made to the six main parties events, rallies and conferences over the election period.

Fliss is joined by our Political Editor Gareth Lewis and David Philips from the Institute for Fiscal Studies to discuss a busy week of manifesto launches from the Welsh Conservatives and Reform.

Fliss is joined by Nick Servini as campaigning gets underway for the 2026 Senedd election. They catch up with Sam Rowlands from the Welsh Conservatives, David Philips from the Welsh Greens and Plaid Cymru's Llyr Gruffydd about their launches into the election. We will be joined by Welsh Labour, Reform and the Liberal Democrats on next week's episode. Walescast is back on TV for four weeks and you can watch this episode on BBC1 Wales and iPlayer.

Walescast heads to Newport Market for Welsh Labour's Campaign Launch. Fliss talks to the First Minister, Labour politicians and candidates about their hopes for May. We also catch up with our Political Editor Gareth Lewis to digest the day. This episode makes up one of the many trips Walescast will make to the main parties events, rallies and conferences over the election period.

Walescast heads to the International Conference Centre in Newport for Plaid Cymru's 2026 conference. James talks to politicians and punters about their hopes for May and catches up with our Political Editor Gareth Lewis to digest the day. This episode makes up one of the many trips Walescast will make to the main parties events, rallies and conferences over the election period.

Fliss and James discuss this week's Senedd vote on assisted dying and they're joined by David Phillips from the Institute for Fiscal Studies to explore the challenges facing future Welsh Government funding.

The Prime Minister travelled to Taff's Well to throw his weight behind Transport for Wales' £14 billion proposals to “transform” the nation's railways. But what would this actually mean for passengers and communities in Wales? James and Fliss unpack the announcement with our Political Correspondent Cemlyn Davies, following his interview with the Prime Minister and First Minister. They're also joined by transport expert Professor Mark Barry, who breaks down the practical implications of the proposals — and what the politics behind them might reveal.

Walescast heads to Llandudno's Venue Cymru for the Welsh Conservative's 2026 conference. James speaks to their Leader in the Senedd Darren Millar as well as catching up with some other politicians and members to see what the vibe is ahead of the Senedd election in May. We also catch up with our Political Editor Gareth Lewis and hear about his interview with the Conservative Leader Kemi Badenoch. This episode makes up one of the many trips Walescast will make to the main parties events/ rallies and conferences over the Senedd election period.

Wales' First Minister has given her backing to the Prime Minister following the Peter Mandelson scandal and the former US ambassador's departure from the Labour Party. Following criticism around Eluned Morgan's delayed statement from opposition parties, she says she has full confidence in his leadership. Former Special Advisor to the Welsh Government Cathy Owens and Political Editor Gareth Lewis join the podcast to discuss whether what is happening in Westminster will impact Wales.

James and Fliss are joined by Chris Birt from the Joseph Rowntree Foundation to discuss poverty in Wales and what the charity believes the next Welsh Government need to do to tackle it.

Walescast heads to Newport's International Conference Centre for Reform's 2026 election rally, where Nigel Farage unveiled Dan Thomas as the party's new leader in Wales. The event also brought confirmation that James Evans has defected to Reform, following his departure from the Welsh Conservatives. Fliss and James speak to both men at the rally, exploring their priorities for Wales and the reaction among party members as Reform sets out its stall ahead of the Senedd election. This episode makes up one of the many trips Walescast will make to the main parties events/ rallies and conferences over the election period.

A year after damning reports into workplace culture at two Welsh fire services, their leaders say progress is being made — but acknowledge there is still more to do. Separate reports into North Wales Fire and Rescue Service and Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service highlighted concerns about bullying, and harassment. James catches up with Mid and West Wales Chief Fire Officer Craig Flannery, while Rob Thomas speaks to North Wales Chief Fire Officer Dawn Docx about what has changed — and what challenges remain.

UK Labour proposals for a major overhaul of policing have highlighted the disagreements between the two governments in Wales and Westminster over devolved powers. Fliss and James are joined by BBC Wales political editor Gareth Lewis to unfold the story. They also speak to Labour MS Mick Antoniw and Criminal Barrister Andrew Taylor about the state of policing and the criminal justice system in Wales and how it's run.

James and Fliss on the sacking of MS James Evans and the WRU before MPs at Westminster.

How is the NHS in Wales coping with winter pressures? Betsi Cadwaladr Health Board sorts out its stats but what can be done about their lengthy waiting times? Our Health Correspondent Owain Clarke joins the pod to discuss the latest. Dr Jac Larner then joins Fliss and James to dig into the detail of the surprising results of the latest ITV/YouGov Poll on Senedd voting intentions.

It's 2026... A big year lies ahead with Wales heading to the polls for the Senedd election in May. And the political year hasn't exactly started quietly. Fliss is joined by BBC Wales' Political Editor, the Westminster Correspondent, and WalesOnline's Ruth Mosalski to unpack the start of 2026 and explore what lies ahead in the world of Welsh politics.

A brand-new Senedd election opinion poll lands just in time for Walescast's Christmas special! Fliss and James are joined by colleagues from across the BBC Wales newsroom to unpack the numbers and reflect on an eventful year in Welsh politics. Recorded at the Four Elms in Cardiff, the team shares their own insights, with a healthy serving of festive cheer—plus, our guests face a seasonal quiz to round things off.

The Welsh Government's budget was on a rocky road, with Labour staring down the possibility of defeat when their spending plans went to a vote in January. Behind closed doors, negotiations went on — and now, a deal has been done. Plaid Cymru has stepped in to help pass the budget, securing extra funding for the NHS and local councils in return. But how will it land with voters? James and Fliss unpack the details with Political Reporter David Deans and Wales Online's Ruth Mosalski, who were both at the Senedd when the news broke.

The UK Budget is out – but what does it all mean for Wales? Fliss and James break down the big announcements with a panel of politicians, exploring how the decisions in Westminster will impact people in Wales. Plus, BBC Wales' Political Correspondent joins the conversation to talk through his whirlwind day and the key takeaways from a dramatic day in politics.

It's a big week for the NHS in Wales. The Covid inquiry report lands, waiting lists results are published, and health boards are facing tough questions. We're joined by experts including Professor Jon Barry and Dr Helen Howson to ask: what's next for the Welsh NHS? Plus, after devastating floods in Monmouthshire, we speak to Dr David Clubb from the National Infrastructure Commission for Wales to discuss what more can be done to protect at risk communities.

From environmental and economic ambitions to nuclear power plans in Anglesey — and Reform's Senedd member facing suspension — Fliss and James unpack a packed week in Welsh politics. Joining the discussions are Deputy First Minister Huw Irranca-Davies, Samuel Kurtz MS, Liz Saville Roberts MP, Dr Steffan Evans from the Bevan Foundation, and Political Correspondent Teleri Glyn Jones.

Budgets are on the minds of politicians on both ends of the M4 this week. Whether the Welsh Government can pass theirs will come down to striking a deal with opposition members. But what are the offers on the table? James and Fliss are joined by Mabon ap Gwynfor MS, Sam Rowlands MS and Cllr Anthony Hunt to talk through the details. They also get expert analysis from Wales Governance Centre's Guto Ifan and Political Correspondent Elliw Gwawr on what it all means for Wales.

The dust has settled on the Caerphilly by-election, but the campaigning won't stop there. It's not long to go until the parties will face the ultimate challenge at the Senedd election in May. Politicians from Plaid Cymru, Reform and Labour join Fliss and James to talk about look back at what happened in Caerphilly and discuss what's to come in the next six months. Cardiff University's Dr Jac Larner and Political Correspondent Teleri Glyn Jones also join the programme to look at polls and predictions.

James and Fliss discuss Plaid Cymru's victory over Reform and Labour in the Caerphilly by-election. It's been a whirlwind campaign and a long night for James, Gareth and Teleri who join the pod off the back of BBC Wales' live stream coverage of the results. They discuss the night, the winners and losers and what it could all mean for the Senedd election in May.

Felicity Evans, James Williams and guests are in the spin room in the aftermath of BBC Wales' Caerphilly by-election TV debate. What were the key issues raised by the audience of voters? And how did the panel of six candidates deal with their questions and concerns?

With Plaid Cymru bringing the party conference season to a close, Felicity Evans and James Williams are joined by BBC Wales colleagues Cemlyn Davies and Emilia Belli to look back at the last month of speeches and fringe events and discuss the major talking points from the final round of national get-togethers before next May's elections to the Senedd

Felicity Evans and James Williams pay a visit to the Caerphilly constituency ahead of the approaching Senedd by-election, speaking to voters and to Richard Gurner, editor of the local Caerphilly Observer newspaper, about the issues that are shaping the campaign

James and Fliss are joined by BBC Wales' health correspondent Owain Clarke to talk about Jeremy Miles' decision to stand down at the next Senedd election. That takes the total to 14 Labour MS' who won't be running next year. Aled Eirug also joins the pod to talk about his new book detailing the life of former Plaid Cymru leader Dafydd Elis-Thomas. They talk about his journey into politics, his extensive career and his fondness of Armani suits.

It's been a busy Summer of politics and the pace is not letting up as the Senedd returns from recess. So there's plenty for Felicity Evans to pour over with BBC Wales political editor Gareth Lewis, his Wales Online counterpart Ruth Mosalski, Cardiff University's polls expert Dr Jac Larner and BBC Wales Parliamentary reporter Emilia Belli. Among the topics under discussion are the latest Welsh opinion poll and the up-and-coming Caerphilly Senedd by-election plus the prospects for the Chancellor's budget in November and the Welsh General Election next May.