Senedd Sources

Reform UK has walked out of the Senedd after one of its members was barred from taking part in proceedings until he apologises. But is this a free-speech row, a question of parliamentary standards — or political theatre?

This week on the Senedd Sources Podcast, Ollie Cole and Joe Kiernan examine the extraordinary scenes at the Senedd, the controversy surrounding Reform MS Joe Martin’s use of the phrase “replacement theory”, and what the walkout means for the party’s role as Wales’s main opposition.

We talk:

🔹 Reform’s Senedd walkout — why the party staged a mass protest over Joe Martin’s "divisive and inflammatory" language?

🔹 Free speech or political stunt? — is Reform standing up for the right to debate, or deliberately provoking a confrontation?

🔹 What happens next? Farage weighs in on Senedd rules

🔹 Wales’s future governance — Plaid Cymru’s new commission and the debate over devolution, independence and the powers Wales should have.

🔹 Cardiff’s data centre plans — why a proposed development has been called in for further scrutiny.

🔹 The Welsh Greens — a leadership change and questions about the party’s future direction.

Is Reform exposing a problem with free speech in the Senedd — or turning parliamentary politics into a political spectacle?

📱 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 #ReformUK #Senedd #Wales #NigelFarage #FreeSpeech #JoeMartin #WelshGovernment #Devolution #SeneddSources

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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.

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

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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

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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

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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 budget
• Infrastructure projects including M4 and Menai Crossing
• Shelving of the proposed new national park in Wales
• Political strategies of Plaid Cymru and Labour
• Implications 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.

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.

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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.

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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 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

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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.