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Can Plaid Cymru deliver on its promises in government? This week on the Senedd Sources Podcast, Ollie Cole and Jo Kiernan examine the political fallout from the Welsh Government’s decision not to hold a statutory Covid inquiry — and take a deep dive into the future of childcare in Wales. They're joined by Andy Regan from Nesta Cymru to discuss a new report examining childcare provision across Wales, the challenge of creating thousands of new places, and why expanding access must not come at the expense of quality. We talk: 🔹 Plaid Cymru’s Covid inquiry U-turn — why the decision not to hold a statutory inquiry has angered bereaved families, and what it means for trust in the new Welsh Government. 🔹 Promises made in opposition — has Plaid changed its position now it is in power, and how damaging could the controversy become? 🔹 The mini-budget finally passes — what the deal unlocks for the NHS, additional learning needs, school repairs and childcare. 🔹 45,000 additional childcare places — what would it take to expand provision across Wales, and where will the workforce come from? 🔹 Quality versus quantity— why rushing to create more places could risk children's development if standards and staffing are not right. 🔹 The future of Flying Start — how removing postcode restrictions could help make better use of existing childcare capacity. Let us know your thoughts: 📱 WhatsApp: 0333 404 6507 — start your message with SENEDD. 📧 Email: [email protected] Subscribe to Senedd Sources for weekly conversations, analysis and debate on Welsh politics, the Senedd, the Welsh Government and the issues affecting Wales. #WelshPolitics #Wales #Senedd #PlaidCymru #Childcare #WelshGovernment #CovidInquiry #Nesta #FlyingStart #WelshNHS #SeneddSources ****** 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 getting a fair deal from Westminster? From rail investment and the UK Budget to the challenges facing Plaid Cymru’s new Welsh Government, this episode of the Senedd Sources Podcast explores the big questions shaping Welsh politics. Ollie Cole and Joe Kiernan are joined by Professor Laura McAllister to discuss what the latest UK Budget means for Wales, why rail infrastructure funding remains a major political battleground, and whether the relationship between Westminster and Cardiff Bay is delivering for Welsh communities. We also examine Plaid Cymru’s first six months in government, the pressure to deliver on its promises, and the challenges facing Welsh Labour as it tries to rebuild after its election defeat. We talk: 🔹 Is Wales getting a fair deal? — what the UK Budget means for Welsh public finances and the Welsh Government. 🔹 The Welsh rail funding gap — why rail investment in Wales remains a contentious issue and the case for devolving rail infrastructure. 🔹 Westminster vs Cardiff Bay — can the UK and Welsh governments agree on funding, borrowing powers and greater flexibility for Wales? 🔹 Plaid Cymru’s first six months in government — has the new administration been bold enough, and how long will its political honeymoon last? 🔹 Welsh Labour’s future — what went wrong at the election, and can the party find its way back? 🔹 Could Wales face a budget deadlock? — what happens if the Welsh Government cannot secure enough support to pass its budget? 🔹 The future of the Lib Dems and Greens in Wales — can smaller parties establish a clearer political identity? 🔹 Welsh rugby and football governance — why sporting institutions need to modernise and become more accountable. With Professor Laura McAllister, we look at the decisions facing Wales’s political parties, the future of devolution and whether Welsh voters will see the change they were promised. 📱 WhatsApp: 0333 404 6507 — start your message with SENEDD. 📧 Email: [email protected] Subscribe to Senedd Sources for weekly conversations, analysis and debate on Welsh politics, the Senedd, the Welsh Government and the issues affecting Wales. #WelshPolitics #Wales #Senedd #WelshGovernment #LauraMcAllister #WelshRailways #RailFunding #Devolution #PlaidCymru #WelshLabour #UKBudget #SeneddSources ***** 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.

Mark Drakeford has delivered a sharp assessment of Plaid Cymru’s first six months in government. But is the new Welsh Government losing its way? In this episode of the Senedd Sources Podcast, former First Minister Mark Drakeford joins Calum Macdonald and Jo to discuss Plaid Cymru’s record so far, the controversy over council tax reform, the future of the M4 relief road and the challenges facing Welsh Labour after its election defeat. Drakeford raises concerns about the government’s decision to abandon council tax revaluation, its environmental commitments and whether Plaid Cymru can deliver the progressive change it promised. He also reflects on Labour’s role in opposition, the prospect of a closer Labour–Plaid relationship and the political lessons both parties need to learn. We talk: 🔹 Mark Drakeford’s verdict on Plaid Cymru — how generous should we be towards a new government? 🔹 The council tax row — why has the Welsh Government abandoned revaluation, and what does it mean for tackling poverty? 🔹 Plaid Cymru’s first six months in power — early decisions, political misjudgements and the challenge of governing in a minority 🔹 The M4 relief road — is Wales changing direction on transport and climate policy? 🔹 Welsh rivers and the environment — concerns over slurry spreading, clean rivers and the proposed new national park 🔹 Welsh Labour’s future — can the party rebuild after its election defeat? 🔹 Labour and Plaid Cymru — could a more formal political agreement take shape? 🔹 Brexit and the EU — could a closer relationship with Europe benefit Wales? 🔹 Andy Burnham’s leadership — Drakeford’s assessment of the UK political landscape With the next Welsh local elections approaching and crucial budget decisions ahead, we examine the challenges facing Plaid Cymru, Welsh Labour and the future of Welsh devolution. 📱 WhatsApp: 0333 404 6507 (Start your message with the word Senedd) ✉️ Email: [email protected] 📍 Subscribe for weekly breakdowns of Welsh and UK politics from inside the Senedd so you never miss an episode! #MarkDrakeford #PlaidCymru #WelshPolitics #Senedd #WelshLabour #WalesNews #SeneddSources #CouncilTax #M4ReliefRoad #WelshGovernment #WelshPoliticsPodcast #Brexit ***** 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.

This week on the Senedd Sources podcast, Ollie Cole and Jo Kiernan return from party conferences to discuss: Welsh budget negotiations and supplementary budgetInfrastructure projects including M4 and Menai CrossingShelving of the proposed new national park in WalesPolitical strategies of Plaid Cymru and LabourImplications of budget deals on public services and projects. ***** 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 Plaid Cymru’s voter coalition on shaky ground when it comes to Welsh independence? In this episode of Senedd Sources, host Ollie Cole and former First Minister advisor Jo Kiernan are joined by Louis O’Geran from polling firm More In Common to break down exclusive new polling data on Welsh politics post-conference season. We analyse: 🗳️ Plaid Cymru’s Honeymoon Phase: Why key policies like £1 bus fares and NHS surgical hubs aren't cutting through with voters. 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿 The Independence Divide: Exclusive polling reveals Plaid Cymru voters are split 47% to 44% on Welsh independence. 🌹 The "Burnham Bounce": How Westminster Prime Minister Andy Burnham is winning back Labour defectors in Wales. 🏛️ Budget Battles in Cardiff Bay: Can Plaid secure a budget deal with Labour or the Conservatives? 🟢 Green Party Civil War: The fallout from the England & Wales Green Party conference over foreign policy and nuclear energy. 💬 JOIN THE CONVERSATION: Have your say on WhatsApp! Send your comments/questions to 0333 404 6507 (start your message with Senedd) or email us at [email protected]. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this special episode of the Sources Podcasts, we're taking you to Liverpool for 24 hours at Labour Party Conference 2026. Hear the secrets of Political Christmas with Politico's Megan McElroy, More In Common's Louis O'Geran, Labour MP Jonathan Hinder, Defence Secretary Wes Streeting, former Andy Burnham advisor Kevin McKeever and more. Presented by Joe Hawkins. ************* 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.

In this episode of the Senedd Sources podcast, Ollie and Jo analyse the latest Welsh political conferences, budget negotiations, and the challenges facing Welsh Labour and Plaid Cymru as they navigate their new roles and upcoming elections. ***** 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.

Senedd Sources has obtained a letter sent to local authorities across Wales detailing that the Government's Flying Start care programme is being renamed and rebranded. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What Next for Reform in Wales? Is Reform UK in crisis in Wales? In this episode of the Senedd Sources Podcast, we look at the latest upheaval inside Reform UK Wales — including a change of leadership, a defection to Plaid Cymru and questions over the party’s future direction.With Helen Jenner taking over as Reform UK Wales leader and Laura Anne Jones becoming deputy leader, we discuss what the changes mean for the party at the Senedd and its relationship with Reform UK’s Westminster leadership. We talk: 🔹 Dan Thomas standing down as Reform UK Wales leader 🔹 Helen Jenner taking over as leader 🔹 Laura Anne Jones becoming deputy leader 🔹 Sarah Cooper-Lessad leaving Reform UK for Plaid Cymru 🔹 Reform’s changing position on the Senedd and devolution 🔹 Plaid Cymru’s Programme for Government 🔹 NHS waiting lists and the May 2027 target 🔹 The future of Flying Start and tackling child poverty 🔹 The Liberal Democrats’ role in Welsh politics With Reform UK continuing to reshape its Welsh operation, we ask what comes next for the party in Wales — and whether the changes mark a wider shift in its political direction. ✉️ Get in contact!WhatsApp, Text or Voice Note: 0333 404 6507 (Start your message with the word Senedd) Email: [email protected] 📍 Subscribe for weekly breakdowns of Welsh and UK politics from inside the Senedd so you never miss an episode! #WelshPolitics #ReformUK #ReformUKWales #Wales #Senedd #WelshPoliticsPodcast #SeneddSources #WelshGovernment #PlaidCymru #NigelFarage #HelenJenner #WelshNews #WalesPolitics #UKPolitics #PoliticalPodcast ***** 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.

Senedd Sources LIVE from the Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff! 🎙️ Hosts Ollie Cole and Jo Kieran are joined live on stage by Dafydd Trystan Davies (Plaid Cymru), Ken Skates (Welsh Labour), and Llyr Powell (Reform UK)—plus a surprise appearance from newly defected Senedd member Sarah Cooper-Lesadd. In one of the most explosive days in modern Welsh political history, Reform UK's Welsh leader Dan Thomas resigns following his arrest and release without charge, while Sarah Cooper-Lesadd stuns the chamber by defecting from Reform UK to Plaid Cymru. Listen as our panel reacts live to the breaking news, debates the latest ITV Wales opinion polls, clashes over the Welsh Government budget, and unpacks the future of devolution and independence. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Is Wales failing a generation of young people? In this episode of the Senedd Sources Podcast, Ollie Cole is joined by Joe Keen to discuss some of the biggest challenges facing young people across Wales — and what they mean for the country's future. The conversation explores Wales' education performance, child health, poverty, mental health and the wider political challenges facing the next generation. With concerns around educational attainment, childhood obesity, tooth decay and access to mental health support, what needs to change to give young people in Wales the best possible start in life? We talk: 🔹 Whether Wales is failing a generation of young people 🔹 The challenges facing Wales' education system and the latest PISA results 🔹 Why Wales continues to lag behind other parts of the UK in education 🔹 Child health, obesity and tooth decay in Wales 🔹 Mental health among children 🔹 Poverty, opportunity and the future prospects of young people 🔹 The political opportunity for change in Wales With young people facing challenges across education, health and economic opportunity, this episode looks at what is going wrong — and what Wales could do to give the next generation a better future. 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: [email protected] 📍 Subscribe for weekly breakdowns of Welsh and UK politics from inside the Senedd so you never miss an episode! #WelshPolitics #Wales #YoungPeople #Senedd #WelshGovernment #WelshEducation ***** 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.

The vibes summer is over — and now Plaid Cymru faces the reality of governing Wales. In this episode of the Senedd Sources Podcast, we look at what comes next for Rhun ap Iorwerth and Plaid Cymru as the Senedd returns. After a summer of reflection, political negotiations and some very memorable ministerial photo opportunities, the focus is now firmly on delivery. We discuss: 🔹 Plaid Cymru's first months in government 🔹 How to govern Wales as a minority government — and who Plaid Cymru needs to work with 🔹 NHS waiting lists and the pressure to deliver improvements 🔹 Plaid Cymru's childcare promises 🔹 Andy Burnham and the future of Welsh devolution 🔹 Cardiff's case for capital-city policing funding 🔹 And, of course, Rhun ap Iorwerth making crêpes in a suit… With the Senedd returning soon, the honeymoon period may be coming to an end. The question now is simple: can Plaid Cymru turn the good vibes into real delivery? 🎙️ Senedd Sources is your podcast taking you inside Welsh politics, with analysis, insight and conversation about the people and decisions shaping Wales. 📍 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: [email protected] 👍 Like the video, subscribe to Senedd Sources and leave your thoughts in the comments. #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.

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: [email protected] 📍 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: [email protected] 📍 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: [email protected] 📍 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.