Blueprint Cymru

New Wales: future Cymru

This is a new series in which, Gwern Gwynfil and Simon Hobson [https://new.wales/our-team/] dive into the first First Minister’s Questions of the new Senedd term — and what it reveals about the personalities, performances and political theatre now shaping Welsh politics. From the increasingly existential predicament facing the Welsh Liberal Democrats to speculation that some Green Party MSs appear better suited to a Will Ferrell political comedy than the Siambr, the pair dissect a bruising and often surreal opening week in Welsh democracy. They also examine the growing row over H.M. Treasury pushing back against Transport for Wales’ ambition to run direct services between Caerdydd and Bristol — asking once again whether Wales is permitted to think and act like a serious nation when it comes to infrastructure and economic ambition. And finally, Simon and Gwern explore an unexpected political question: could Wales actually benefit from an Andy Burnham premiership in Westminster? Sharp, irreverent and unapologetically pro-Wales, this is a conversation about power, confidence and whether the new Senedd is ready for the future Cymru needs. Watch the episode on the @Cymru Newydd YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@NewCymru] channel. For more information, head to: new.wales [http://new.wales] Instagram: @new_wales [https://www.instagram.com/new__wales/] Bluesky: @newwales.bsky.social [http://newwales.bsky.social] LinkedIn: @https://www.linkedin.com/company/new-wales [https://www.linkedin.com/company/new-wales] ‬ Episode 45 of Blueprint Cymru: Senedd 2026. Recorded on 19 May 2026. Music licenced from Envato [https://elements.envato.com/] Executive Producer and Editor: Simon Hobson The New Wales team is growing. It includes: Nigel Cousins, Gwern Gwynfil, David Hannington-Smith, Simon Hobson, Ena Lloyd and Iestyn ap Rhobert. If you want to help break the status quo mindset in Wales, get in touch, join the team. email: simon@new.wales Cymru Newydd Cyf. (New Wales [https://new.wales/about-us/] Ltd.)‬

Senedd election 2026: Results - changing the status quo?

In this episode of Blueprint Cymru, Simon Hobson [https://new.wales/our-team/] argues that the new Welsh Government, led by Rhun ap Iorwerth [https://www.linkedin.com/in/rhun-ap-iorwerth-158b9b31/]'s Plaid Cymru [https://www.partyof.wales/], must assert itself from the outset if it is to secure — or at least lay the foundations for — devolved power parity with Scotland by the end of this Senedd term in April 2030. Simon highlights the need for the government to create a clear national narrative so the world better understands what Cymru is, while inviting the Welsh diaspora to help shape that story. He also explores the opportunity for Wales to strengthen its democracy through digital democracy and the adoption of the STV voting system before the next Senedd election. Finally, New Wales continues to champion a national conversation on the design of a constitution for Cymru — a Welsh Bill of Rights. Watch the episode on the @Cymru Newydd YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@NewCymru] channel. For more information, head to: new.wales [http://new.wales] Instagram: @new_wales [https://www.instagram.com/new__wales/] Bluesky: @newwales.bsky.social [http://newwales.bsky.social] LinkedIn: @https://www.linkedin.com/company/new-wales [https://www.linkedin.com/company/new-wales] ‬ Episode 44 of Blueprint Cymru: Senedd 2026. Recorded on 12 May 2026. Music licenced from Envato [https://elements.envato.com/] Executive Producer and Editor: Simon Hobson The New Wales team is growing. It includes: Nigel Cousins, Gwern Gwynfil, David Hannington-Smith, Simon Hobson, Ena Lloyd and Iestyn ap Rhobert. If you want to help break the status quo mindset in Wales, get in touch, join the team. email: simon@new.wales Cymru Newydd Cyf. (New Wales [https://new.wales/about-us/] Ltd.)‬

Senedd election 2026: Philip Owen - Gwlad

Philip Owen [https://new.wales/senedd-2026/#Brycheiniog-Tawe-Nedd] is the Gwlad candidate in the constituency of Brycheiniog Tawe Nedd [https://new.wales/senedd-2026/#Brycheiniog-Tawe-Nedd]. Formerly a lifelong Liberal, having stood as a Westminster candidate for the Liberal Alliance in 1983, Philip says, 'Wales has had socialist rule for 100 years. Red-Green parties promise more socialism. Statist Reform UK even plans to return to the industrial policies of Tony Benn. Wales is a net exporter of goods. Our services exports such as education, tourism and software are more like goods than financial services. They are just as suppressed by exchange and interest rates designed for London to invest overseas. We will prosper when independent. I joined Gwlad as Brexit made it clear that the UK economy was going to be managed for the benefit of the City of London.' Watch the episode on the @Cymru Newydd YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@NewCymru] channel. For more information, head to: new.wales [http://new.wales] Instagram: @new_wales [https://www.instagram.com/new__wales/] Bluesky: @newwales.bsky.social [http://newwales.bsky.social] LinkedIn: @https://www.linkedin.com/company/new-wales [https://www.linkedin.com/company/new-wales] ‬ Episode 43 of Blueprint Cymru: Senedd 2026. Recorded on 5 May 2026. Producer and Editor: Simon Hobson Assistance producers: Gwern Gwynfil, David Hannington-Smith Graphic designer: Nigel Cousins Head of content: Gwern Gwynfil Executive Producer: Simon Hobson Music licenced from Envato [https://elements.envato.com/] Cymru Newydd Cyf. (New Wales [https://new.wales/about-us/] Ltd.)‬

Senedd election 2026: Brendan Roberts - Welsh Liberal Democrats

Brendan Roberts [https://new.wales/senedd-2026/#Sir-Fynwy-Torfaen], a dedicated community councillor in Torfaen, has worked in the civil service, local government and the third sector. His career and activism give him a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing Welsh communities. At the Welsh Government’s 2022 'Radical reform summit', he drew on his personal experience in the child social care system to help shape a declaration advancing Wales’ landmark laws protecting children and young adults from mistreatment and violence. Brenden is second on the list for the Welsh Liberal Democrats as their candidate in the constituency of Sir Fynwy Torfaen [https://new.wales/senedd-2026/#Sir-Fynwy-Torfaen]. He is championing progressive change and empowering people in Wales. Watch the episode on the @Cymru Newydd YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@NewCymru] channel. For more information, head to: new.wales [http://new.wales] Instagram: @new_wales [https://www.instagram.com/new__wales/] Bluesky: @newwales.bsky.social [http://newwales.bsky.social] LinkedIn: @https://www.linkedin.com/company/new-wales [https://www.linkedin.com/company/new-wales] ‬ Episode 42 of Blueprint Cymru: Senedd 2026. Recorded on 29 June 2025. Producer and Editor: Simon Hobson Assistance producers: Gwern Gwynfil, David Hannington-Smith Graphic designer: Nigel Cousins Head of content: Gwern Gwynfil Executive Producer: Simon Hobson Music licenced from Envato [https://elements.envato.com/] Cymru Newydd Cyf. (New Wales [https://new.wales/about-us/] Ltd.)‬

Wild law - Elspeth Jones

Elspeth Jones [https://esmeefairbairn.org.uk/about-esmee/our-people/trustees/elspeth-jones/] is a former London barrister turned leadership coach and adviser. In 2025 she worked with the National Infrastructure Commission for Wales as their Nature Guardian in an innovate pilot - acting as a voice for Nature within the Commission’s governance structure. With over 20 years’ experience in the legal world –including as an environmental activist and leader at the global environmental law NGO ClientEarth - she understands both the challenges and the huge opportunities for driving change through innovative and impactful law and governance. Her approach isn’t about easy answers, but about building resilience, confidence and clarity in those doing the hard work (something sorely needed in Wales). With nature in Wales in long-term decline, this is a conversation about the need to be bold, innovative and shift mindsets in law and governance to deliver real-world impact. Elspeth was born and grew up Wales and is a Welsh speaker. She now lives in Wales with her family, where she enjoys going on adventures and exploring the outdoors. Simon Hobson [https://www.linkedin.com/in/simonpaulhobson/] is a co-founder of New Wales and an active member of the Welsh diaspora from his home in Québec. Full episode on the @Cymru Newydd YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@NewCymru] channel. For more information, head to: new.wales [http://new.wales] Instagram: @new_wales [https://www.instagram.com/new__wales/] Bluesky: @newwales.bsky.social [http://newwales.bsky.social] LinkedIn: @https://www.linkedin.com/company/new-wales [https://www.linkedin.com/company/new-wales] ‬ Episode 41 of Blueprint Cymru. Recorded on 21 April 2026. Producer and Editor: Simon Hobson Assistance producers: Gwern Gwynfil, David Hannington-Smith Graphic designer: Nigel Cousins Head of content: Gwern Gwynfil Executive Producer: Simon Hobson Music licenced from Envato [https://elements.envato.com/] Cymru Newydd Cyf. (New Wales [https://new.wales/about-us/] Ltd.)‬