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Walescast

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Rating
★★★★★
5
from
2 reviews
This podcast has
108 episodes
Language
English
Explicit
No
Date created
2021/01/05
Latest episode
2026/10/01
Average duration
34 min.
Release period
6 days

Description

Your one-stop shop for everything Welsh politics and current affairs. Felicity Evans and James Williams discuss the big issues with exclusive interviews and in-depth analysis.

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Check latest episodes from Walescast podcast


Andy Burnham's Big Pitch: What's in it for Wales?
2026/10/01
Andy Burnham has set out his vision for transforming Britain, including a pledge to end the state pension triple lock from 2030 to help fund a new National Care Service in England. But what does it all mean for Wales? Fliss is joined by BBC Wales Political Editor Gareth Lewis, Business Correspondent Huw Thomas and David Phillips from the Institute for Fiscal Studies to unpack the announcements and examine where Wales fits into Burnham's plans.
An Interview with the Prime Minister
2026/09/25
Ahead of the annual Labour Party conference, the Prime Minister is in Manchester and talks to our Political Editor Gareth Lewis about independence, the future of devolution, and speculation of an early general election.
Reform Reshuffles and NHS Targets
2026/09/24
Following Reform UK Wales' first week under new leader Helen Jenner, our Political Correspondent Dan Davies walks us through the party reshuffle and what her leadership might mean for the opposition in the Senedd. Health Correspondent Owain Clarke brings us the latest NHS figures and unpacks why there has been confusion over waiting times targets. Plus, Shelley Phelps joins us from Westminster after attending the Liberal Democrats' UK conference.
Who's the New Leader of Reform in Wales?
2026/09/21
Following a difficult week for Reform in Wales, Nigel Farage arrived on the steps of the Senedd to unveil Helen Jenner MS as the party's new Welsh leader. She takes over from Dan Thomas, who stepped down after being arrested on suspicion of assault and controlling or coercive behaviour. Jenner faces the challenge of uniting the party after a turbulent start to the new Senedd term that saw the loss of its leader and the defection of one of its Senedd Members. Fliss is joined by BBC Wales Political Editor Gareth Lewis to discuss Farage's press conference, the challenges facing Jenner as she takes the helm, and what her appointment could mean for Reform's future in Wales. Walescast sat down with Helen Jenner as part of our summer series. You can listen to that episode here - https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/p0p6gs1g.
What's childcare got to do with the Welsh Government's budget talks?
2026/09/17
Plaid Cymru’s biggest challenge in government so far may be securing enough support in Cardiff Bay to get its Budget over the line. With negotiations continuing between Plaid ministers and opposition parties, tensions are continuing to emerge. Welsh Labour has warned it will not back the Budget if cuts are made to the flagship early years programme it introduced while in government. On this episode of Walescast, former civil servant Des Clifford joins Fliss to discuss why both sides need to stay at the negotiating table and what is at stake if an agreement can't be reached. Dr Steffan Evans from the Bevan Foundation also explains new research into Flying Start and whether it is the best vehicle for providing childcare on a universal basis.
Reform Under Pressure as Senedd Returns
2026/09/16
It's been a difficult week for Reform UK Wales. Dan Thomas, who led the party during their successful Senedd election campaign, has stepped down as Welsh leader after being arrested for assault. The party has also been hit by a defection, with one of its members leaving to join Plaid Cymru. On this episode of Walescast, we speak to Sarah Cooper-Lesadd about her decision to switch parties and what prompted the move. We also hear from WalesOnline's Political Editor Ruth Mosalski, who joins the podcast to help digest a busy and eventful return to the Senedd.
Is Westminster's Time Coming to an End?
2026/09/14
For the first time since devolution began, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland are all led by first ministers who support leaving the United Kingdom. Following a press conference with the three leaders, Fliss and James discuss the signing of an agreement, which argues that no Westminster government has the right to "block democracy". James reports from the event and speaks to STV's Political Editor Colin Mackay about the political landscape in Scotland and what this moment could mean for the independence movement. The podcast also hears from BBC Northern Ireland Political Reporter Brendan Hughes, who offers insight into the picture in Northern Ireland.
'Must try harder' - Wales' poor PISA results
2026/09/08
Fliss studies the latest PISA results that show Wales has fallen further behind other UK nations, as well as taking a look back at the Reform party conference.
When we met Helen Jenner at the Pritchard Jones Institute
2026/08/27
Fliss and James are in Newborough, on Anglesey, to meet Reform UK's Welsh Deputy Leader. Joining her at the Pritchard Jones Institute they chat about her upbringing, career, Welsh identity and political journey. She also reveals the band she was in growing up and her time at the BRIT School for performing arts. Throughout August, Walescast has been travelling across the country to speak to politicians from a different political parties.
Has Plaid Cymru's 100 Day Plan Paid Off?
2026/08/26
We have come to the end of Plaid Cymru's 100 Day Plan. But, what have they achieved in that time? Fliss catches up with BBC Wales' Political Editor Gareth Lewis to find out what's gone well and the issues that have arisen for the new Government. We listen to Gareth's interview with the Minister for Effectiveness and the Constitution as well as hearing from leaders of the opposition.
When we met Heledd Fychan at the National Lido of Wales
2026/08/19
James is in Ynysangharad Park, overlooking the National Lido of Wales, to chat with Heledd Fychan MS. Recently appointed Minister for Culture and Sport in the new Plaid Cymru Government, she also serves as the party's Trefnydd and Chief Whip. In this wide-ranging interview, James and Heledd discuss Plaid Cymru's historic election victory, her own political journey, the current state of sport and culture in Wales, and the challenges and opportunities facing her party in government. Throughout August, Walescast is travelling across Wales to speak to politicians from different parties.
When we met Ken Skates at Shotton Steelworks
2026/08/14
Fliss and James meet the new Welsh Labour leader Ken Skates MS at the John Summers Clock Tower on the former Shotton Steelworks site. In a wide-ranging conversation, they discuss his upbringing, career, experiences with mental health and the challenging period ahead for Welsh Labour. Throughout August, Walescast is travelling across Wales to speak to politicians from across the political spectrum.
What has Burnham's First Week Meant for Wales?
2026/07/23
Fliss and James are joined by three BBC political correspondents from Wales and Westminster. They discuss Burnham's first week as PM, what's been said about Wales and some familiar faces at the heart of his new cabinet. They also discuss an issue with the Welsh Government's Supplementary Budget plans.
Royal Welsh, Rural Affairs and a New Prime Minister
2026/07/21
The Royal Welsh is back, and James is joined by a variety of guests at the showground to discuss what a Plaid Cymru government means for rural affairs and Welsh farming. The conversation also turns to Westminster, where a new Prime Minister has taken office, and what these political changes could mean for agriculture and Welsh politics. This episode was recorded on 21 July 2026.
New Labour Leaders
2026/07/16
Ken Skates has been confirmed as the new permanent leader of Welsh Labour, inheriting a party facing significant challenges after its disappointing Senedd election performance. As he steps into the role, he'll become the public face of one of Wales's opposition parties, with the task of rebuilding support and restoring confidence in Welsh Labour. Former journalist and ex-Chief of Staff to the Welsh Government, Jo Kiernan, joins us to assess the scale of the challenge ahead and what Skates must do to turn the party's fortunes around. We also hear from our Political Editor Gareth Lewis, who looks ahead to Andy Burnham taking the reins after Keir Starmer's final week as Prime Minister. Can Burnham reset relations between Wales and Westminster, and what might his leadership mean for the future of Welsh politics and for the Labour party here?

Podcast reviews

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5 out of 5
2 reviews
★★★★★
WinniefromStLouis 2022/09/22
Riveting listening
I was listening to the latest podcast “A Difference of Opinion” while chopping carrots. I only meant to chop a few, but was got so involved, that I a...
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