Podcasts about Senedd

On May 7, Labour faces losing some of its oldest heartlands. In Wales, the party has dominated elections for 104 years, but is, according to polls, fighting for third or fourth place against powerful forces on the left and right – Plaid Cymru and Reform. Host Sascha O'Sullivan and POLITICO's political editor Dan Bloom took the train to Newport and drove through South Wales, where the fight is fiercest, to find out how the parties are vying for the top spot in the Senedd, the Welsh Parliament. They spoke to first minister Eluned Morgan as she launched the Welsh Labour campaign in Newport Market. And newly-appointed Welsh leader of Reform Dan Thomas explained why the party there differs from the one led by Nigel Farage. Westminster Insider speaks to Plaid Cymru leader Rhun ap Iorwerth about how the party has ditched their message on independence in a bid to scoop up voters on the left disillusioned with Labour. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Following questions over the UK's military capability and the Iran conflict we discuss defence with Francis Tusa, editor of Defence Analysis. With conference season well under way, this week it's the turn of Reform and the Liberal Democrats. Reform's James Evans MS and the Liberal Democrat leader Jane Dodds MS join us. On International Women's Day we discuss gender parity in the Senedd with Cardiff University's Dr Leah Hibbs. Journalist Will Hayward talks about his new book 'Who Cares About Wales?'Reviewing the papers: Plaid Cymru's Kiera Marshall and Bethan Cousins from the Development Bank Wales.

The 2026 Senedd (Welsh Parliament) election may be one of the most significant since the start of devolution. Much attention is rightly being given to the possibility of Plaid Cymru and Reform UK ending Labour's long dominance of Welsh politics. But this is also the first election since major reforms introduced a new electoral system, new constituencies, shorter electoral terms, and a move from 60 to 96 Senedd members. So what should we expect from the elections? How will these reforms affect the election result, the work of the Senedd, and the wider shape of Welsh politics? And are further reforms needed to safeguard and strengthen Welsh democracy? We discuss these questions with an expert panel. Speakers: Jess Blair – Director of Electoral Reform Society Cymru Professor Laura McAllister – Professor of Public Policy and the Governance of Wales at Cardiff University and former Co-Chair of the Independent Commission on the Constitutional Future of Wales Sir Paul Silk – former Clerk to the National Assembly for Wales and Chair of the Commission on Devolution in Wales Chair: Professor Alan Renwick – Deputy Director of the Constitution Unit Links:Website: www.ucl.ac.uk/constitution-unitMailing list: www.ucl.ac.uk/constitution-unit/get-involved/mailing-listBlog: constitution-unit.com

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.

This event took place two months before the people of Wales cast their votes in the seventh election to Senedd Cymru (the Welsh parliament) since it was established in 1999. The polls suggest that Plaid is on track to overturn Labour's century-long dominance of Welsh politics to become the largest party in the Senedd for the first time, opening the path to Rhun ap Iorwerth becoming Wales's next first minister. Watch our event recording to hear the Plaid leader deliver a short speech on how he would govern as first minister, followed by a conversation with Akash Paun, Programme Director for Devolution at the Institute for Government, and a Q&A with the live and online audience.

This event took place two months before the people of Wales cast their votes in the seventh election to Senedd Cymru (the Welsh parliament) since it was established in 1999. The polls suggest that Plaid is on track to overturn Labour's century-long dominance of Welsh politics to become the largest party in the Senedd for the first time, opening the path to Rhun ap Iorwerth becoming Wales's next first minister. Watch our event recording to hear the Plaid leader deliver a short speech on how he would govern as first minister, followed by a conversation with Akash Paun, Programme Director for Devolution at the Institute for Government, and a Q&A with the live and online audience. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Guests include: Middle East analyst Dr Laura James, politics professor Jon Tonge, Plaid Cymru leader Rhun ap Iorwerth, First Minister Eluned Morgan and writer and broadcaster Iain Dale. Paper reviewers: Conservative councillor in Monmouthshire Lisa Dymock and Rachel Cable from Colegau Cymru.

In CI News this week: Work on NHS England's puberty blocker trial is paused due to safety concerns, a Christian fostering charity has opened a new adoption service in England, and MP Danny Kruger highlights the importance of marriage for a healthy society. You can download the video via this link. Featured stories Puberty blocker trial halted over safety concerns ‘Senedd's vote on Leadbeater Bill did not approve principle of assisted suicide' Christian charity opens new adoption service in ‘celebration of faith' MP: Marriage is good for society, while ‘cult of individualism' is ‘destructive'

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.

Significant elections are taking place in Scotland and Wales this year.With the current political mood so unpredictable, the make-up of Holyrood in Edinburgh and the Senedd in Cardiff could be very different after May. And given that social work in Scotland and Wales is the full responsibility of these legislatures, any change is likely to have a sizeable impact on decisions taken about the profession, the workforce, and the people that social workers support.So, what does social work need to be telling the parties and individuals vying for power? The Scottish Association of Social Work (SASW) and BASW Cymru have both set out their manifestos which they want to see the next devolved governments take forward. This episode will consider what these asks are and which political levers they intend to pull to get them accepted.Host Jonny Adamson is joined by three guests who have all played a major role in developing these manifestos and the campaigning strategies around them. Caroline McDonald, Social Work Team Leader in Children's Services at Glasgow City Council and Co-Chair of SASW, Andrew Pennington, Senior Social Work Practitioner at Powys County Council and Chair of BASW Cymru, and George Hannah, Senior Public Affairs Officer for SASW.They discuss how politics differs in Scotland and Wales to other parts of the UK, social work's role in promoting the vote, and how the profession can use its voice more loudly to affect change in communities across the UK. They also hazard a guess as to who the political winners and losers could be come polling day.Our thanks to James Ede at Be Heard Productions for producing the episode.BASW Cymru manifesto for 2026: Cymru Decides: https://basw.co.uk/policy-and-practice/resources/basw-cymru-manifesto-2026-cymru-decides A secure future for Scottish social work: https://basw.co.uk/policy-and-practice/resources/secure-future-scottish-social-work Scottish Parliament Election Hub 2026: https://basw.co.uk/about-basw/social-work-around-uk/sasw-basw-scotland/scottish-parliament-election-hub-2026 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Eluned Morgan, the first minister of Wales speaks to Megan Kenyon about her relationship with Keir Starmer, Welsh Labour's prospects in the upcoming Senedd election and the threat of Plaid Cymru and Reform.SAVE £££ THIS CHRISTMAS:⭐️ Gift big ideas, bold politics, and proper journalism from just £2LISTEN AD-FREE:

Labour MP for Cardiff West MP Alex Barros-Curtis looks back at the week that was for Labour. James Price, Transport for Wales CEO gives an update on transport plans in Wales. Cllr Aled Davies, Senedd candidate for the Conservatives in Gwynedd Maldwyn reports from their Spring conference. Strategic analyst and researcher with the Arctic Institute Fiona de Cuyper explains why the Arctic is a hot topic. Emeritus Professor E. Wyn James from Cardiff University talks about Wales' historic hymns, in the wake of handing the keys of Capel Rhondda - where Cwm Rhondda was first sung - to the community.Tessa Marshall and Aled Eirug review the papers.

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.

In the first in this collaborative series with WWF Cymru, IWA Co-Director Joe Rossiter discusses how we can create healthier seas in Wales. Joining him in discussion are: scientist, filmmaker and wildlife host Lizzie Daly; CEO of Project Seagrass Dr Leanne Cullen-Unsworth; and Shea Buckland-Jones, Head of Policy and Advocacy at WWF Cymru.Support the IWA's work today by visiting:https://www.iwa.wales/about-us/support-us/You can read WWF Cymru's Senedd 2026 election manifesto at:https://www.wwf.org.uk/wales/manifesto-2026

This week on the podcast student finance has exploded into the headlines – but is the English student loan system really doomed? Backbench Labour MPs are pressing the chancellor to act, polling has revealed widespread antipathy for above-inflation interest rates, and Rachel Reeves has clashed with Martin Lewis over the freeze to repayment thresholds. Now former OfS access tsar John Blake has launched The Post-18 Project, our Wonkhe think tank, by arguing that a review of higher education funding is unavoidable and that a graduate tax should be one of the options. So is the government going to act, or will it be bounced into action?Plus UKRI has found itself in a perfect comms storm over the future of curiosity-driven research funding, and Michael Salmon sits down with Welsh minister Vikki Howells to discuss the challenges facing tertiary education.With Ben Ward, CEO at University of Manchester Students' Union, Smita Jamdar, Partner and Head of Education at Shakespeare Martineau, Michael Salmon, News Editor at Wonkhe, Vikki Howells, Minister for Further and Higher Education in the Senedd and presented by Jim Dickinson, Associate Editor at Wonkhe.The Post-18 Project: A review of higher education funding is inevitableFive challenges faced by the Welsh tertiary sectorMaybe a graduate tax wasn't such a bad idea after allWelsh higher education is running out of wriggle roomWales refuses to implement Westminster's stealth graduate tax raidWho should pay for our failing student loan system?

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.

After the PM's three day visit to China, economist Vicky Pryce discusses his achievements. Reform councillor Jason O'Connell responds to yet another conservative defection to his party, and their plans for the Senedd election. Emeritus Professor Emyr Lewis explains the significance of the assisted dying LCM and why it's wise to wait before the Senedd votes on it. And historian, the Rev. D Ben Rees, talks about his new book about the Welsh of Liverpool.Plaid Cymru's Senedd hopeful, Cllr Mark Hooper and cultural relations specialist Ruth Cocks review the papers.

Last October, a Senedd by-election took place in Caerphilly, South Wales. As long as the seat had existed, for over 100 years, it had belonged to Labour.But that night, Welsh Labour fell to third place. Reform galloped into second. And after fighting in 18 elections since the 1980s, Plaid Cymru's Lindsay Whittle took first place with almost 50 per cent of the vote.Is this a stark demonstration of how politics in Wales is changing? Plaid Cymru leader Rhun Ap Iorwerth joins Megan Kenyon.SAVE £££ THIS CHRISTMAS:⭐️ Gift big ideas, bold politics, and proper journalism from just £2LISTEN AD-FREE:

With four months to go until Wales takes to the polls, Fin and Jane discuss what teachers need to know about the Senedd elections. Social media:* Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/impactwales123* Private Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1099646660713906/* Bluesky: @impactwales.bsky.social* Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/impactwales/Contact:Email: enquiries@impact.wales Tel: 029 2167 9140BOOKSThe Illustrated Guide to Pedagogy:https://amzn.to/4lsupnbClosing the Disadvantage Gap:https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/aw/d/1032824107/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0Power Up Your Pedagogy:https://www.amazon.co.uk/Power-Up-Your-Pedagogy-Illustrated/dp/1398388068Subscribe to ImpactPlus today:www.impact.wales/impactplusPRODUCTIONHosts: Finola Wilson and Jane MillerProducer: Darren EvansVisit us at: www.impact.walesMusic: Power Shutoff by Craig MacArthur

Send us a textIn our update this month Derek Munn, Director of Policy and Public Affairs at the RCSLT covers: Looking ahead – events on the horizon for 2026 including Scottish and Welsh elections, the NHSE workforce plan and other focus areas and SEND reform in England. RCSLT workforce survey – call for responses to help us build the evidence base on vacancies and retention: https://www.rcslt.org/news/complete-the-2026-workforce-survey/. First 1,000 days report including evidence from speech and language therapy https://committees.parliament.uk/committee/81/health-and-social-care-committee/news/211450/boost-infants-life-chances-with-more-family-hubs-health-visitors-and-new-vaccines-strategy-mps-tell-govt/. Response to Freedom from Violence and abuse strategy: https://www.rcslt.org/news/rcslt-warns-new-freedom-from-violence-and-abuse-strategy-fails-to-address-communication-barriers/  Call to fill vacancy of the Welsh Chief Allied Health Professions Officer in the Senedd. Update on assisted dying from Jersey, Scotland and the UK. The Mental Health Act receives royal assent in England: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/mental-health-bill-receives-royal-assent-revolutionising-care. Please be aware that the views expressed are those of the guests and not the RCSLT.Please do take a few moments to respond to our podcast survey: uk.surveymonkey.com/r/LG5HC3R

The elections happening for the Welsh Senedd in 2026 are held at the same time as the English local elections and the vote for the Scottish Parliament – but there's an argument to be made that they're by far the most important ones happening on May 7th.Since it was first elected in 1999, Labour have been the story of Wales. They have held a plurality of seats and have formed all Welsh Governments, be that majority, minority or coalition. They've never received less than 29.6% of the vote in either the constituency or regional list ballots.Yet, four months out, opinion polls have them as low as 10%.In their place stand two diametrically opposed forces: on one side, as in all British politics, stand the right-wing Reform, polling near 30%.And on the other stands the Party of Wales, Plaid Cymru. They currently lead polls with highs of 33% and took one of their biggest scalps back in October, beating the surging Reform in the Caerphilly by-election for a Westminster MP.The addition of a completely new voting system for the Senedd adds a wrinkle to proceedings also, as it moves to a closed-list proportional system in 16 constituencies across the country.With the country on a precipice, we were joined by the Leader of Plaid Cymru, Rhun ap Iorwerth, to discuss what the future of Wales looks like and what Plaid Cymru's plan is should they be successful in May.Rhun has been the Leader of Plaid since 2023, before which he was Deputy Leader for five years, and has served as Member of the Senedd for Ynys Môn since 2013. Before this, he worked as a journalist, becoming BBC Wales's Chief Political Correspondent in 2001, a post he held for five years, before moving into presenting roles.Support the showEnjoyed the podcast and want to be a live audience member at our next episode? Want to have the chance in raising questions to the panelist?Support our work and be a part of the Compass community. Become a member!You can find us on Twitter at @CompassOffice.

In 2024, Eluned Morgan MS became the sixth first minister of Wales – and the first woman to hold the role – since the dawn of devolution in 1999. She now leads Welsh Labour into the 2026 Senedd election, which will be held under a new electoral system, and at which Labour faces a double challenge from the rise of Plaid Cymru and Reform. On 22 January, the Institute for Government was delighted to welcome Eluned Morgan to discuss how devolution to Wales has evolved since 1999, her priorities as First Minister, how the Labour governments in Cardiff and Westminster can cooperate on shared goals, and Welsh Labour's vision for Wales's constitutional future. The first minister was in conversation with Akash Paun, Programme Director of Devolution at the Institute for Government, followed by a Q&A with the live and online audience.

In 2024, Eluned Morgan MS became the sixth first minister of Wales – and the first woman to hold the role – since the dawn of devolution in 1999. She now leads Welsh Labour into the 2026 Senedd election, which will be held under a new electoral system, and at which Labour faces a double challenge from the rise of Plaid Cymru and Reform. On 22 January, the Institute for Government was delighted to welcome Eluned Morgan to discuss how devolution to Wales has evolved since 1999, her priorities as First Minister, how the Labour governments in Cardiff and Westminster can cooperate on shared goals, and Welsh Labour's vision for Wales's constitutional future. The first minister was in conversation with Akash Paun, Programme Director of Devolution at the Institute for Government, followed by a Q&A with the live and online audience. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Former Wales Office advisor Lauren McEvatt discusses Robert Jenrick's defection to Reform. Prof Scott Lucas analyses the latest on the US and Greenland, ahead of the Senedd debate on the health committee's report on obesity, Dr Sue Kenneally is in the studio. Scottish journalist and podcaster Lesley Riddoch recalls the history of Scottish Labour since the dawn of devolution and former number 10 advisor and journalist Guto Harri remembers u-turns of governments past.Cllr Dmitri Batrouni of Newport Council and Dr Emma Yhnell review the papers.

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.

The Sources Podcast hosts come together for a special New Year 2026 UK politics preview, analysing what could be the most volatile year in British politics for a generation.With local elections in England, Scottish Parliament elections, Senedd elections in Wales, and mounting pressure on the Northern Ireland Executive, this episode explores how the rise of Reform UK, growing voter fragmentation, and Labour's governing challenges could reshape the UK's political map.

The Sources Podcast hosts come together for a special New Year 2026 UK politics preview, analysing what could be the most volatile year in British politics for a generation.With local elections in England, Scottish Parliament elections, Senedd elections in Wales, and mounting pressure on the Northern Ireland Executive, this episode explores how the rise of Reform UK, growing voter fragmentation, and Labour's governing challenges could reshape the UK's political map.

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.

Monmouthshire's MP Catherine Fooks describes the situation in Monmouth after Storm Claudia's devastation. Isabel Hardman decants the goings on at Westminster and who is briefing against whom. Former BBC governor, Merfyn Jones CBE mulls over the BBCs difficult week, former Conservative special adviser Lauren McEvatt discusses the pros and cons of abolishing Police and Crime Commissioners. Green Cymru CEO Stuart George tells us why the power grid in Wales needs to be upgraded and veteran journalist Martin Shipton remembers suspensions of Senedd past. Carole Burns and Sarah Rees review the papers.

Morse code transcription: vvv vvv Why Scotlands teachers want 90 minutes back Medomsley Detention Centre officer was prolific sex offender Streeting denies plotting against PM after leadership claims New law to clamp down on driving test bots Efforts to shore up Starmers leadership may have backfired NHS gets go ahead to make thousands of redundancies Afghan bodybuilder Roya Karimi on going from child bride to champion Feltham woman fined 1k for fly tipping envelope Trump says he has obligation to sue BBC over speech edit Reforms Laura Anne Jones faces 14 day Senedd ban for racial slur

Morse code transcription: vvv vvv Reforms Laura Anne Jones faces 14 day Senedd ban for racial slur Feltham woman fined 1k for fly tipping envelope Streeting denies plotting against PM after leadership claims New law to clamp down on driving test bots NHS gets go ahead to make thousands of redundancies Efforts to shore up Starmers leadership may have backfired Trump says he has obligation to sue BBC over speech edit Why Scotlands teachers want 90 minutes back Afghan bodybuilder Roya Karimi on going from child bride to champion Medomsley Detention Centre officer was prolific sex offender

Morse code transcription: vvv vvv NHS gets go ahead to make thousands of redundancies Reforms Laura Anne Jones faces 14 day Senedd ban for racial slur Medomsley Detention Centre officer was prolific sex offender Why Scotlands teachers want 90 minutes back New law to clamp down on driving test bots Feltham woman fined 1k for fly tipping envelope Trump says he has obligation to sue BBC over speech edit Streeting denies plotting against PM after leadership claims Efforts to shore up Starmers leadership may have backfired Afghan bodybuilder Roya Karimi on going from child bride to champion

Morse code transcription: vvv vvv NHS gets go ahead to make thousands of redundancies Reforms Laura Anne Jones faces 14 day Senedd ban for racial slur Trump says he has obligation to sue BBC over speech edit Streeting denies plotting against PM after leadership claims New law to clamp down on driving test bots Medomsley Detention Centre officer was prolific sex offender Efforts to shore up Starmers leadership may have backfired Feltham woman fined 1k for fly tipping envelope Afghan bodybuilder Roya Karimi on going from child bride to champion Why Scotlands teachers want 90 minutes back

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.

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.

It's been confirmed that an asylum seeker who was jailed last month for a year for sexually assaulting a 14-year-old girl and a woman in Epping has been released from prison by mistake. Also: Plaid Cymru celebrates a decisive victory in the Senedd by-election in Caerphilly, a stronghold for Labour for a century. And one of England's oldest football clubs, Sheffield Wednesday, goes into administration.

Plaid Cymru have swept to victory in Caerphilly, taking a Senedd seat that has been held by Labour for a century - will it convince Keir Starmer to change course?Alexis Conran unpacks the politics of the day with Daisy McAndrew and Michael Binyon. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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.

A while back we put the world to rights by drunkenly going through all the things we would change to make Wales the country we know it can be. With the very important Caerphilly by-election on the horizon and the Senedd elections coming next year, we thought we'd give our two pence worth all over again.

What is parliament's role in what happens to Prince Andrew from here?With Virginia Giuffre's book released today and new reports that he's not paid rent on the Royal Lodge in Windsor for two decades – Sam Coates and Anne McElvoy discuss how uncomfortable Westminster might be feeling about the former trade envoy.  Outside of London, how are the parties feeling about this week's Senedd by-election in Caerphilly?  Plus, in our weekly check-in on polling, are the Greens cutting through with the voters and could that be encouraging Keir Starmer to change his plans for the COP summit in Brazil?  There's a full list of candidates standing in the Senedd by-election in Caerphilly here: https://www.caerphilly.gov.uk/my-council/voting-and-elections/forthcoming-elections-2025/election-notices/senedd-by-election-caerphilly-constituency   

This week on the podcast we look at Wales' emerging higher education settlement, as Universities Wales publishes its manifesto for the May 2026 Senedd elections amid polling that points to a potential Plaid-led administration. Plus we discuss new Office for Students' data on subcontracted (franchised) provision showing weaker continuation, completion and progression outcomes relative to sector averages, and assess the Institute of Student Employers' latest survey, with graduate hiring down overall but highly variable by sector amid persistently high applications per vacancy.With Debbie McVitty, Editor at Wonkhe, Sarah Cowan, Head of Policy (Higher Education and Research) at the British Academy, Sarah Stevens, Director of Strategy at the Russell Group and presented by Jim Dickinson, Associate Editor at Wonkhe.Universities Wales election manifestoOutcomes data for subcontracted provisionGraduate jobs and recruitment reality

The former Labour MP and Foreign and Commonwealth Office minister for the Middle East Dr Kim Howells discusses the chances of the on-going peace process in the Middle East delivering for both the Palestinian and Israeli people. Plaid Cymru's leader at Westminster, Liz Saville Roberts MP looks back at her party's conference - the last before next May's Senedd elections. Paris-based commentator Nabila Ramdani assesses the prospects of France's new PM - who is the same as the old one - bringing political stability to the Republic. And the the UK's Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner, Eleanor Lyons looks back at 10 years of the Modern Slavery ActNeuroscientist Dr Emma Yhnell and Conservative Senedd candidate Adam Robinson review the papers.

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.

Journalist and author of the unauthorised biography of Peter Mandelson, Paul Routledge explains how the Ambassador's sacking was inevitable. Professor Natasha Lindstaedt from the department of government at Essex University discusses political violence. Delyth Evans, new chair of S4C is with us to say why the channel's next five years will be all about digital services. Owain Williams, would-be Senedd candidate muses over the Welsh element of Welsh Labour. Rhys Kaminski-Jones tells us all about his new book, Welsh Revivalism in Imperial Britain 1707-1819: True Britons and Celtic Empires Professor Kate Thirlaway and Cllr Calum Davies review the papers

There should be more urgency and a bigger budget to tackle TB in cattle in England while farmers should be empowered to do more to eradicate the disease. Those are headlines from a new report published today. It also calls for a bovine TB tzar to co-ordinate government policy along with investment in IT systems, vaccination and testing. We hear from the report's author, Professor Sir Charles Godfray, the Badger Trust and the National Farmers' Union.Major changes are needed to rebuild trust in the body responsible for promoting Welsh meat, that's according to an inquiry by Senedd members.Presented by Charlotte Smith and produced by Beatrice Fenton.

Vaughan Roderick presents the highlights of the past few months. Alun Davies MS discusses the effect of welfare changes on his Blaenau Gwent constituents; Shereen Williams and Matt Kilcoyne have different views on the new electoral boundaries' names for the next Senedd election; Peter Kellner and Professor Matt Qvortrup discuss the benefits and drawbacks of referenda; Dr Anne Harrington remembers the bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki; and Judith Mackrell talks about sibling artists Gwen and Augustus John.