How Reform UK & The Tories Are Re-Shaping Senedd Opposition

Who Pays? IFS Warnings & Rhun Reopening The M4 Debate

Plaid Cymru has wasted no time setting out its priorities for government — but can Wales actually afford them? In this episode of Senedd Sources, we break down Rhun ap Iorwerth’s surprise intervention on the M4 relief road, the political risks of reopening one of Wales’ most divisive infrastructure debates, and the mounting economic pressure facing the new Welsh Government. Joining Ollie Cole, Jo Kiernan and Craig Lawton is David Phillips from the Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS), who warns that “the good times are over” as ministers prepare for some of the toughest budget decisions since devolution began. We discuss: - Whether Rhun ap Iorwerth can realistically deliver an M4 solution - The brutal financial choices facing the Welsh Government - Can Plaid Cymru afford its childcare and NHS pledges? - Why politicians struggle to level with voters about the economy - Potential cuts to public services and the civil service - How Wales compares economically to the rest of the UK - And whether there is actually room for optimism in the Welsh economy With budgets tightening, pressure mounting on public services, and expectations sky-high after the Senedd election, this is essential listening for anyone following Welsh politics, Plaid Cymru, or the future direction of Wales. 🎧 Subscribe for weekly analysis on Welsh politics, the Senedd, and policymaking. 📲 Send us your voice notes on WhatsApp: 0333 404 6507 (start your message with “Senedd”) 📧 hello@seneddsources.com #WelshPolitics #PlaidCymru #RhunapIorwerth #Senedd #M4 #M4ReliefRoad #WalesPolitics #IFS #UKPolitics #WelshGovernment #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, former Welsh Labour adviser Jo Kiernan and former Welsh Conservative candidate and adviser Craig Lawton as they share their experiences, and shape conversation about Welsh politics today. ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

How Reform UK & The Tories Are Re-Shaping Senedd Opposition

In this episode of Senedd Sources, Ollie Cole and Craig Lawton break down the new political landscape in Wales as the dust settles after the 2026 Senedd election. Will Plaid Cymru actually be affective now they are in power, and are they facing pressure to deliver in the first 100 days? How will Reform and the Conservatives function in opposition? And will Mark Drakeford's intervention this week shake up the strategy in Welsh Labour? Is the former First Minister still a relevant voice within the party? We also discuss on the show: * Reform UK’s new shadow cabinet and strategy. * Childcare policy challenges and government spending. * The future leadership battle inside Welsh Labour. ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

Plaid Takes Power & Reform Finds Its Role - Wales Settles Into New Leadership

Plaid Cymru is in power. Labour is out for the first time in the history of devolution. And Reform UK is now the official opposition in a dramatically reshaped Senedd. In this episode of Senedd Sources, Jo Kiernan and Craig Lawton break down the election aftermath, Rhun ap Iorwerth’s first moves as First Minister, and what Plaid’s new cabinet tells us about the direction of the Welsh Government. From major cabinet appointments to committee battles and minority government maths, this is the inside story of how Wales’ new political era is beginning. With Plaid Cymru now governing without a majority, how difficult will it be to hold together a new administration while negotiating vote-by-vote in a larger Senedd? And what role will Reform UK play as a powerful new opposition force? Plus: - Why Labour faces a huge rebuilding challenge - The balancing act over farming, energy and net zero - How committee chairs and Senate numbers could shape Welsh politics for years 📥 Have your say! What’s the first thing the new Welsh Government should do? WhatsApp us: 0333 404 6507 (Start with 'Senedd') Email: hello@seneddsources.com ***** 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, former Welsh Labour adviser Jo Kiernan and former Welsh Conservative candidate and adviser Craig Lawton as they share their experiences, and shape conversation about Welsh politics today. ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

The Day Welsh Politics Changed Forever: Election Results Special

The face of Welsh politics has been utterly transformed. In this emergency weekend edition of Senedd Sources, Ollie Cole and Jo Kiernan dissect a brutal election day that saw Labour’s Eluned Morgan become the first head of a British government to lose her seat in modern history. With Plaid Cymru (43 seats) and Reform UK (34 seats) dominating the new 96-seat Senedd, we look at the "two-horse race" narrative that squeezed the traditional parties and what a Plaid Cymru minority government means for the future of Wales. Topics covered: * The collapse of the Labour vote and Eluned Morgan’s resignation. * Why Reform UK outperformed expectations (but missed their majority). * The "Squeeze": How the new voting system backfired on its creators. * Is Keir Starmer to blame? The view from Westminster vs. Cardiff Bay. * The Liberal Democrat and Green struggle for relevance. ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

Wales Election Day 2026: Can Reform or Plaid Cymru Dethrone Labour?

Is the 100-year reign of Welsh Labour about to end? 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿 As the polls open, Ollie Cole and Jo Kiernan dive into the final "vibes" of the campaign and the chaos of the new voting system. It’s Election Day in Wales, and the stakes couldn't be higher. In this episode of Senedd Sources, we break down the final polling, the exhaustion of the campaign trail, and the very real possibility that First Minister Eluned Morgan could lose her seat. The "Slugfest": Why this election has become a head-to-head between Plaid Cymru and Reform UK. The New System: How the 16 "super-constituencies" and proportional representation are baffling both voters and parties. The Keir Starmer Factor: Is the UK Prime Minister a help or a hindrance on the Welsh doorstep? Governing the Morning After: The "painful" reality of forming a minority government and why most manifestos are currently "unaffordable." 📥 Have your say! What’s the first thing the new Welsh Government should do? WhatsApp us: 0333 404 6507 (Start with 'Senedd') Email: hello@seneddsources.com ***** 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, former Welsh Labour adviser Jo Kiernan and former Welsh Conservative candidate and adviser Craig Lawton as they share their experiences, and shape conversation about Welsh politics today. ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.