Claim OwnershipWalescast
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A look at what’s going on in Welsh politics and current affairs from our podcast studio. Felicity Evans and James Williams talk about the big issues with exclusive interviews and in-depth analysis.
107 Episodes
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Walescast heads to Newport’s International Conference Centre for Reform’s 2026 election rally, where Nigel Farage unveiled Dan Thomas as the party’s new leader in Wales. The event also brought confirmation that James Evans has defected to Reform, following his departure from the Welsh Conservatives. Fliss and James speak to both men at the rally, exploring their priorities for Wales and the reaction among party members as Reform sets out its stall ahead of the Senedd election. This episode makes up one of the many trips Walescast will make to the main parties events/ rallies and conferences over the election period.
A year after damning reports into workplace culture at two Welsh fire services, their leaders say progress is being made — but acknowledge there is still more to do. Separate reports into North Wales Fire and Rescue Service and Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service highlighted concerns about bullying, and harassment. James catches up with Mid and West Wales Chief Fire Officer Craig Flannery, while Rob Thomas speaks to North Wales Chief Fire Officer Dawn Docx about what has changed — and what challenges remain.
UK Labour proposals for a major overhaul of policing have highlighted the disagreements between the two governments in Wales and Westminster over devolved powers. Fliss and James are joined by BBC Wales political editor Gareth Lewis to unfold the story. They also speak to Labour MS Mick Antoniw and Criminal Barrister Andrew Taylor about the state of policing and the criminal justice system in Wales and how it's run.
James and Fliss on the sacking of MS James Evans and the WRU before MPs at Westminster.
How is the NHS in Wales coping with winter pressures? Betsi Cadwaladr Health Board sorts out its stats but what can be done about their lengthy waiting times? Our Health Correspondent Owain Clarke joins the pod to discuss the latest. Dr Jac Larner then joins Fliss and James to dig into the detail of the surprising results of the latest ITV/YouGov Poll on Senedd voting intentions.
It’s 2026... A big year lies ahead with Wales heading to the polls for the Senedd election in May. And the political year hasn’t exactly started quietly. Fliss is joined by BBC Wales’ Political Editor, the Westminster Correspondent, and WalesOnline’s Ruth Mosalski to unpack the start of 2026 and explore what lies ahead in the world of Welsh politics.
A brand-new Senedd election opinion poll lands just in time for Walescast’s Christmas special! Fliss and James are joined by colleagues from across the BBC Wales newsroom to unpack the numbers and reflect on an eventful year in Welsh politics. Recorded at the Four Elms in Cardiff, the team shares their own insights, with a healthy serving of festive cheer—plus, our guests face a seasonal quiz to round things off.
The Welsh Government’s budget was on a rocky road, with Labour staring down the possibility of defeat when their spending plans went to a vote in January. Behind closed doors, negotiations went on — and now, a deal has been done. Plaid Cymru has stepped in to help pass the budget, securing extra funding for the NHS and local councils in return. But how will it land with voters? James and Fliss unpack the details with Political Reporter David Deans and Wales Online's Ruth Mosalski, who were both at the Senedd when the news broke.
The UK Budget is out – but what does it all mean for Wales? Fliss and James break down the big announcements with a panel of politicians, exploring how the decisions in Westminster will impact people in Wales. Plus, BBC Wales’ Political Correspondent joins the conversation to talk through his whirlwind day and the key takeaways from a dramatic day in politics.
It’s a big week for the NHS in Wales. The Covid inquiry report lands, waiting lists results are published, and health boards are facing tough questions. We’re joined by experts including Professor Jon Barry and Dr Helen Howson to ask: what’s next for the Welsh NHS? Plus, after devastating floods in Monmouthshire, we speak to Dr David Clubb from the National Infrastructure Commission for Wales to discuss what more can be done to protect at risk communities.
From environmental and economic ambitions to nuclear power plans in Anglesey — and Reform’s Senedd member facing suspension — Fliss and James unpack a packed week in Welsh politics. Joining the discussions are Deputy First Minister Huw Irranca-Davies, Samuel Kurtz MS, Liz Saville Roberts MP, Dr Steffan Evans from the Bevan Foundation, and Political Correspondent Teleri Glyn Jones.
Budgets are on the minds of politicians on both ends of the M4 this week. Whether the Welsh Government can pass theirs will come down to striking a deal with opposition members. But what are the offers on the table? James and Fliss are joined by Mabon ap Gwynfor MS, Sam Rowlands MS and Cllr Anthony Hunt to talk through the details. They also get expert analysis from Wales Governance Centre's Guto Ifan and Political Correspondent Elliw Gwawr on what it all means for Wales.
The dust has settled on the Caerphilly by-election, but the campaigning won't stop there. It's not long to go until the parties will face the ultimate challenge at the Senedd election in May. Politicians from Plaid Cymru, Reform and Labour join Fliss and James to talk about look back at what happened in Caerphilly and discuss what’s to come in the next six months. Cardiff University's Dr Jac Larner and Political Correspondent Teleri Glyn Jones also join the programme to look at polls and predictions.
James and Fliss discuss Plaid Cymru's victory over Reform and Labour in the Caerphilly by-election. It's been a whirlwind campaign and a long night for James, Gareth and Teleri who join the pod off the back of BBC Wales' live stream coverage of the results. They discuss the night, the winners and losers and what it could all mean for the Senedd election in May.
Felicity Evans, James Williams and guests are in the spin room in the aftermath of BBC Wales' Caerphilly by-election TV debate. What were the key issues raised by the audience of voters? And how did the panel of six candidates deal with their questions and concerns?
With Plaid Cymru bringing the party conference season to a close, Felicity Evans and James Williams are joined by BBC Wales colleagues Cemlyn Davies and Emilia Belli to look back at the last month of speeches and fringe events and discuss the major talking points from the final round of national get-togethers before next May's elections to the Senedd
Felicity Evans and James Williams pay a visit to the Caerphilly constituency ahead of the approaching Senedd by-election, speaking to voters and to Richard Gurner, editor of the local Caerphilly Observer newspaper, about the issues that are shaping the campaign
James and Fliss are joined by BBC Wales' health correspondent Owain Clarke to talk about Jeremy Miles' decision to stand down at the next Senedd election. That takes the total to 14 Labour MS' who won't be running next year. Aled Eirug also joins the pod to talk about his new book detailing the life of former Plaid Cymru leader Dafydd Elis-Thomas. They talk about his journey into politics, his extensive career and his fondness of Armani suits.
It's been a busy Summer of politics and the pace is not letting up as the Senedd returns from recess. So there's plenty for Felicity Evans to pour over with BBC Wales political editor Gareth Lewis, his Wales Online counterpart Ruth Mosalski, Cardiff University's polls expert Dr Jac Larner and BBC Wales Parliamentary reporter Emilia Belli. Among the topics under discussion are the latest Welsh opinion poll and the up-and-coming Caerphilly Senedd by-election plus the prospects for the Chancellor's budget in November and the Welsh General Election next May.
Over the summer, James and Fliss sit down with politicians across Wales. On this episode of Walescast they are joined by Darren Millar, the Welsh Conservative Leader in the Senedd. They met in the BBC's Cardiff studio and discussed everything from how he became interested in politics to his interest in Astronomy and Sumo Wrestling. He also talked about the Welsh Conservatives hopes with less than a year to go until the Senedd election.
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