Walescast

Latest Episodes:

What's Going on With Council Tax? Oct 21, 2026

Show notes

Wales' Finance Minister has announced that the Welsh Government wants to delay a revaluation of homes for council tax purposes until 2032. Fliss and James are joined by David Phillips from the Institute for Fiscal Studies to digest the details and what it could mean for you. They also speak to Reform UK's Cai Parry-Jones, the Welsh Local Government Association's Cllr Lis Burnett, and BBC Wales Political Editor Gareth Lewis to discuss the decision. Plus, on the 60th anniversary of the Aberfan disaster, they reflect on its lasting legacy with the historian and commentator Professor Sir Deian Hopkin.

Plaid and Labour Strike a Deal Oct 14, 2026

Show notes

Fliss and James are joined by guests to unpack the Welsh Government's agreement with Labour on its mini-budget. Politicians from the Welsh Conservatives, Welsh Labour and Reform UK Wales discuss the details, while BBC Wales Political Editor Gareth Lewis reflects on his interview with the Finance Minister and what the deal means for the Welsh Government. Walescast is back on TV for five weeks. Watch on Wednesdays on BBC One Wales and BBC iPlayer.

Can Wales Finally Fix the M4 and Menai Bottlenecks? Oct 07, 2026

Show notes

Plaid Cymru has unveiled plans to address two of Wales' most notorious transport bottlenecks - the M4 in the South and the Menai Strait crossing in the North.

Nick Servini is joined by our Business and Political Correspondents to assess the proposed plans, explore the challenges involved and ask whether the Welsh Government can find a solution.

We also wrap up our conference season coverage with Political Reporter Ewan Murrie, who rounds up the key moments from the Conservative and Green Party conferences.

What Did We Learn from Plaid Cymru's Conference? Oct 06, 2026

Show notes

The First Minister took to the stage in Llandudno to deliver his first conference speech since winning the Senedd election. Before an expectant audience, he celebrated Plaid Cymru's historic victory but also acknowledged the challenges ahead, including difficult budget decisions and his ambition to go further and faster on devolution in Wales. Elliw Gwawr presented today's episode and was joined by two political editors: the BBC's Gareth Lewis and WalesOnline's Ruth Mosalski.

Andy Burnham's Big Pitch: What's in it for Wales? Oct 01, 2026

Show notes

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 Sep 25, 2026

Show notes

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 Sep 24, 2026

Show notes

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? Sep 21, 2026

Show notes

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? Sep 17, 2026

Show notes

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 Sep 16, 2026

Show notes

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.

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