Senedd Sources

With just 11 weeks until the Senedd election, the campaign battle lines are becoming clearer.Keir Starmer visits Wales to stand alongside First Minister Eluned Morgan and announce a £14bn rail investment — but how much of it is new, and does it help Welsh Labour as the election looms? We discuss the optics of unity after internal Labour tensions and whether UK-level politics is weighing on devolved campaigns.Meanwhile, Plaid Cymru proposes mandatory 15–25% community ownership in large renewable energy projects, reigniting the debate over pylons, underground cables, investor confidence and who really pays on energy bills.We also examine a quiet Welsh Conservative conference, defections to Reform UK, and the shifting coalition maths that could shape the next Senedd. As May approaches, we ask: who has momentum — and who’s facing real pressure?📌 Senedd Sources takes you inside Welsh politics — from Cardiff Bay to Westminster. Subscribe for weekly analysis, interviews, and behind-the-scenes insight. 👉 Have a question or comment? Text us on 0333 404 6507 (start with "Senedd") or email hello@seneddsources.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Labour faces one of its most turbulent weeks in years — and the fallout is being felt in Wales.In this episode of Senedd Sources, we break down the political storm engulfing Keir Starmer after controversy over a senior appointment, the resignation of key Downing Street figures, and mounting pressure from within Labour ranks — including intervention from Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar.So where does this leave Welsh Labour and First Minister Eluned Morgan ahead of the crucial 2026 Senedd election?Joining Ollie Cole, Jo Kiernan and Craig Lawton is Alex Barros-Curtis MP (Labour, Cardiff West) to discuss:Whether Starmer’s leadership is under real threatHow Westminster drama impacts Welsh politicsLabour’s slipping poll numbers in WalesThe rise of Reform UK and Plaid CymruThe growing tension between MPs and MSsWhy “Don’t Know” voters could decide the next Senedd electionWith conference season beginning and the Welsh political landscape shifting, this is essential listening for anyone following UK politics, Welsh Labour, or the future of devolution.🎧 Subscribe for weekly analysis on Welsh politics, the Senedd, and policymaking. 📲 Send us your voice notes on WhatsApp: 0333 404 6507 (start with “Senedd”) 📧 hello@seneddsources.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Big political shifts are happening in Wales — and beyond. In this episode of Senedd Sources, we break down Reform UK’s major announcement, Labour’s mounting crisis at Westminster, and the behind-the-scenes battle that could shape the next Senedd.Nigel Farage has unveiled Dan Thomas as the new Reform UK leader in Wales, alongside confirmation that former Conservative MS James Evans has joined Reform. With a Senedd manifesto coming soon, is Reform building real momentum ahead of the 2026 Welsh election?Meanwhile, the UK Labour government is engulfed in controversy over Peter Mandelson’s appointment as US Ambassador and his past links to Jeffrey Epstein — triggering anger among Labour MPs and raising questions about Keir Starmer’s leadership. How will this crisis affect Welsh Labour and First Minister Eluned Morgan?Plus:Will Reform UK Wales break beyond ex-Tory support?Is Labour writing off Wales electorally?Why Eluned Morgan’s “go to the pub” message took offWho could become the next Presiding Officer of the SeneddWhat the new 96-member Senedd means for power, procedure and party balanceIf you follow Welsh politics, Reform UK, Labour Party turmoil, or the Senedd election, this episode is essential listening.📩 Send us your thoughts on WhatsApp: 0333 404 6507 (start with Senedd)📧 Email: hello@seneddsources.com🔔 Subscribe for weekly insider analysis of Welsh politics. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Is Keir Starmer a good Prime Minister? It should be an easy question for Labour politicians — but in Wales, it’s turning into a political headache.In this episode of Senedd Sources, Ollie Cole, former Welsh Government adviser Jo Kiernan and political communications expert Craig Lawton unpack:Why Welsh Labour figures are struggling to publicly back Keir StarmerGrowing tension between Welsh Labour and UK Labour over devolution, policing, and fundingWhat this means ahead of the 2026 Senedd electionThe Welsh Liberal Democrats’ path to relevance — can they become kingmakers?How Lib Dem candidate Sam Bennett says they’ll win despite tough pollingVoter frustration on the doorstep — care, childcare, and collapsing trust in politicsThe rise of the Greens and competition on the pro-independence sideConservative and Reform UK drama — defections, uncertainty, and party identity in WalesThis is insider analysis on how party divisions, leadership doubts, and shifting voter loyalties could reshape the Welsh Parliament (Senedd).📩 Got a question for the panel? WhatsApp: 0333 404 6507 (start with “Senedd”) Email: hello@seneddsources.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

🔴 Welcome to Senedd Sources, your inside look at Welsh politics. In this episode, Ollie Cole, Craig Lawton and Jo Kiernan to unpack the latest political drama:Welsh Conservatives’ James Evans kicked out amid talks with Reform UKThe influence of Nigel Farage and the Reform UK narrative in WalesEluned Morgan’s strategy and positioning ahead of the 2026 Senedd electionsVoter engagement, manifesto scrutiny, and the disconnect between politicians and the publicWe break down how party messaging, grassroots support, and polling trends are shaping Wales’ political landscape. From “Britain is broken” debates to the Labour Party’s electoral strategy, get the inside story you won’t find anywhere else.💬 Send your questions or comments via WhatsApp: 0333 404 6507 (start your message with “Senedd”) or email: hello@seneddsources.com. We may feature them in the next episode!✅ Subscribe to Senedd Sources for weekly insights on Welsh politics: [Insert Channel Link]🎥 Watch full episodes on YouTube and never miss a political update. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of the Senedd Sources Podcast, we sit down with First Minister of Wales and Welsh Labour leader, Eluned Morgan for an extended, in-depth interview at a pivotal moment in Welsh politics.The First Minister speaks candidly about:The latest Senedd election opinion poll and whether she could lose her own seathow Labour plans to win back Plaid voterswhy she refuses to chase Reform UK rhetoricdifferences between her leadership style and that of Mark DrakefordHer thoughts on British and Welsh identity🎧 Subscribe for weekly analysis ahead of May's Senedd election,📲 WhatsApp us your thoughts or voice notes: 0333 404 6507 (start with Senedd).📧 Email: hello@seneddsources.com. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Sources Podcast hosts come together for a special New Year 2026 UK politics preview, analysing what could be the most volatile year in British politics for a generation.With local elections in England, Scottish Parliament elections, Senedd elections in Wales, and mounting pressure on the Northern Ireland Executive, this episode explores how the rise of Reform UK, growing voter fragmentation, and Labour’s governing challenges could reshape the UK’s political map.🎙️ Featuring voices from:Whitehall SourcesHolyrood SourcesStormont SourcesSenedd Sources🔍 In this episode:Is Reform UK becoming a permanent force in British politics?Can Keir Starmer’s Labour government survive a brutal May election?Why the Greens and Gaza independents are threatening Labour in citiesWill SNP dominance in Scotland finally crack — and if so, who replaces them?Could Plaid Cymru lead Wales for the first time?How stable is Stormont, and could it collapse again before 2027?What a fragmented UK means for the future of the UnionThis is essential listening for anyone trying to understand UK elections 2026, Nigel Farage’s influence, Labour’s political future, and the growing instability across Britain’s devolved governments.📌 Subscribe for weekly insider analysis from Westminster, Holyrood, Stormont and the Senedd.*****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 for more information.

On today's episode, Lee Waters MS joins Senedd Sources for a candid, wide-ranging conversation on Welsh devolution, Labour Party tensions, political authenticity, and the personal toll of public life.In this episode, Ollie, Craig and Jo ask Lee about:His time as a government minister under Mark DrakefordWhy authenticity in politics can be both powerful and dangerousHis controversial letter to Prime Minister Keir StarmerGrowing tensions between Welsh Labour and UK LabourThe future of devolution, and Labour’s electoral challengesHappy New Year from the podcast team, Subscribe this election year to Senedd Sources to not miss a thing!🎧 Subscribe for weekly analysis, inside knowledge and exclusive Senedd scoops.📲 WhatsApp us your thoughts or voice notes: 0333 404 6507 (start with Senedd).📧 Email: hello@seneddsources.com. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this Senedd Sources Christmas special, Ollie Cole, Jo Kiernan and Craig Lawton look back on a remarkable year in Welsh politics — from the rise of Reform UK and the Caerphilly by-election shock, to the fallout from the Nathan Gill scandal, and the countdown to the 2026 Senedd election.We’re also joined by Simon Hart, former Welsh Secretary, Chief Whip, and now Lord Hart of Tenby, to discuss his explosive political diary Ungovernable: The Political Diaries of a Chief Whip— an inside account of government during the Boris Johnson, Liz Truss and Rishi Sunak years.In this episode:Why Reform UK surged in WalesWhat Caerphilly revealed about voter behaviourThe new Senedd constituency boundariesThe Nathan Gill caseSimon Hart on Covid, devolution, whips, and party chaos🎄 A perfect Christmas listen for anyone interested in Welsh politics.📱 WhatsApp your questions: 0333 404 6507 (start with “Senedd”)📩 Email: hello@seneddsources.com🎧 Subscribe on Spotify, Apple Podcasts & YouTube Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welsh politics has been shaken by stunning new polling from YouGov and the Wales Governance Centre — and the implications are seismic.In this episode of Senedd Sources, Ollie Cole, Jo Kiernan (former adviser to First Ministers Rhodri Morgan and Carwyn Jones) and Craig Lawton (political adviser and Welsh Conservative candidate) unpack a poll that puts Plaid Cymru on 33%, Reform UK on 30%, and Welsh Labour collapsing to just 10%.📊 Using seat projections, the panel explores:What a historic Labour collapse would mean after 100 years of dominanceWhether Plaid Cymru has replaced Labour as the party “standing up for Wales”Why Reform UK is surging, and where its votes are really coming fromThe battle for anti-Reform voters between Plaid and the GreensWho could realistically form the next Welsh Government — and howEluned Morgan’s leadership challenge and Labour’s messaging problemWhy age, turnout, and tactical voting could decide the electionWith coalition maths, minority government scenarios, and sharp political insight, this episode explains why the 2026 Senedd election could transform Welsh politics forever.📲 Get involved: WhatsApp: 0333 404 6507 (start with “Senedd”) Email: hello@seneddsources.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Senedd Sources, Ollie Cole, Jo Kiernan and Craig Lawton break down a dramatic week in Welsh politics — including the rapid-fire budget deal between Labour and Plaid Cymru and what this all means ahead of the 2025 Senedd election.We’re also joined by special guest Tom Giffard MS, Welsh Conservative Member of the Senedd for South Wales West. Tom gives us his take on:The Plaid–Labour budget agreementWhether the Conservatives can hold seats in MayHow big a threat Reform UK really isWhat message Welsh Tories need to win back votersWhat the new electoral system might mean for incumbentsThe realities of campaigning under the new 6-member constituencies🎧 Subscribe for weekly analysis, inside knowledge and exclusive Senedd scoops.📲 WhatsApp us your thoughts or voice notes: 0333 404 6507 (start with Senedd).📧 Email: hello@seneddsources.com. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Wales just hosted its biggest investment event in decades — but will the £16bn announcements move the polls before May’s Senedd elections?In this week’s Senedd Sources, Ollie, Jo and Craig break down a huge week in Welsh politics:🏢 Wales’ Global Investment Summit• Was the £16bn package real, new or repackaged?• What role did UK Labour ministers, the Prince of Wales, and companies like Nvidia play?• Will it help Welsh Labour before the Senedd elections?⚠️ Welsh Labour Backbench Revolt• 11 Labour MSs accuse Westminster of “rolling back devolution”• Why they say a Labour UK Government is “bypassing” Wales• How this impacts the campaign — and whether UK Labour is listening🔄 Reform UK’s Welsh Leadership Mystery• Why former Welsh Secretary David Jones WON’T be leading Reform• What his decision means — and who might step in⚖️ Assisted Dying Bill & WalesWith guest Fran Hall from Dignity in Dying, we explore:• What the Assisted Dying Bill means for Wales• Why the Senedd must vote on a Legislative Consent Motion• Will Welsh patients have equal access — or have to travel? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, Ollie Cole, Jo Kiernan and Craig Lawton break down one of the biggest political weeks of the year, including Rachel Reeves’ long-trailed Westminster Budget and what it really means for Wales.We analyse:Why the Budget felt like “Groundhog Day”The lifting of the two-child benefit cap and how it could lift 26,000 Welsh children out of povertyThe hidden impact of tax threshold freezes and the “biggest stealth tax rise ever”Why Wales only gets limited wiggle room despite new Barnett funding and borrowing powersLabour’s messaging ahead of the 2026 Senedd electionThe Senedd vote rejecting the Budget and what it signals for the Welsh Government’s shaky six-month futurePLUS — Senedd Sources exclusive:➡️ Plaid Cymru HAVE now entered budget talks, despite public coyness. We explain what they want, what they might trade, and the political dangers if the Budget falls.And in the second half of the episode:The sentencing of Nathan GillThe extraordinary details revealed in courtWhat this means for Nigel Farage, Reform UK and the wider Welsh political landscapeWe also head into "Leaflet Corner" as election leaflets begin landing across Wales — analysing the early campaign strategies of Welsh Labour, the Conservatives, Plaid Cymru and Reform.🎧 Subscribe for weekly analysis, inside knowledge and exclusive Senedd scoops.📲 WhatsApp us your thoughts or voice notes: 0333 404 6507 (start with SENEdd).📧 Email: hello@seneddsources.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this week’s episode of Senedd Sources, Ollie Cole, Jo Kiernan and Craig Lawton sit down with Cai Parry-Jones, Reform UK spokesperson in Wales and Vice Chair of the Anglesey, Bangor & Aberconwy branch.With Reform UK rapidly increasing its vote share and shaking up Welsh politics — including a huge showing in the Caerphilly by-election — this conversation cuts through the noise and looks at what the party actually stands for going into the 2026 Senedd election.We ask:•⁠ ⁠Does Reform UK have a clear Welsh identity, or is it a British nationalist project?•⁠ ⁠What really drove their surge in Caerphilly?•⁠ ⁠When will we see a Welsh leader — and who is making the decision?•⁠ ⁠How are candidates being selected?•⁠ ⁠How seriously does the party take political abuse and safety concerns?•⁠ ⁠Will Nigel Farage be an asset or distraction in Wales?•⁠ ⁠What policies can we expect — including the 20mph limit reversal?•⁠ ⁠How will Reform UK address Welsh language decline and devolved public services?Cai gives rare insight into:✔ internal policy development✔ candidate vetting✔ tensions between UK-wide messaging and Welsh-specific issues✔ the weight given to social media activism✔ Reform UK's claims of facing a uniquely intense level of abuseThis episode also dives into:– the future of political campaigning in Wales– whether Reform UK can maintain momentum without a clear leader– how the new Senedd electoral system could reshape party fortunes– the party’s ambition to present the most “pro-business” manifesto since devolutionWhether you support Reform UK, oppose them, or simply want to understand their growing influence, this is a must-listen episode for understanding the next six months in Welsh politics.📱 WhatsApp the show with comments or questions: 0333 404 6507 (start your message with "Senedd")📧 Email: hello@seneddsources.comGet tickets to join us at Public Affairs Cymru: https://publicaffairscymru.com/events/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to Senedd Sources — your inside track on Welsh politics.This week, Ollie Cole, Jo Kiernan and Craig Lawton unpack a jam-packed week in Welsh and UK politics.🟢 Can the Green Party win their first ever Senedd seat?With membership tripling and Zack Polanski energising the movement, the Greens are targeting key constituencies like Cardiff and Penarth — but could a split between the Welsh and English parties be coming?🔵 Reform’s only Senedd member faces suspensionLaura Anne Jones’ two-week suspension raises deep questions about standards, NDAs, and taxpayer money being used to silence staff. Jo launches a fiery rant on why the Senedd’s standards system is “not fit for purpose”.🔴 Labour meltdown in Downing StreetKeir Starmer’s team face open revolt as aides brief against senior cabinet ministers — just months before major Welsh elections. What does this mean for Labour’s credibility in Wales, and do they even know there’s an election on?📲 Join the conversation:WhatsApp us a voice note: 0333 404 6507 (start your message with “Senedd”)Or email: hello@seneddsources.com🗳️ Subscribe to stay ahead of Welsh politics every week — analysis, insight, and no spin.🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all major platforms. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Plaid Cymru leader Rhun ap Iorwerth joins Senedd Sources to discuss his party’s stunning by-election win in Caerphilly, what it means for the 2026 Senedd election, and how Plaid plans to challenge both Labour’s dominance in Cardiff Bay and the rise of Reform UK. Rhun speaks candidly about populism, independence, cooperation in Welsh politics, and why he’s ready to lead Wales as First Minister. In this in-depth interview with Ollie Cole, Jo Kiernan, and Craig Lawton, Rhun explains:Why Plaid Cymru’s Caerphilly win signals a “fundamental shift” in Welsh politicsHis view on British vs Welsh nationalism and what sets Plaid apartWhether Labour’s disillusionment under Keir Starmer gives Plaid a path to powerHis plans for childcare reform, tackling child poverty, and preparing for governmentThe realistic timeline for Welsh independence — and why he’s “not putting anything on the back burner” 🎧 Subscribe for more from Senedd Sources — your inside track on Welsh politics, policy and power in Cardiff Bay. 📅 New episodes every week. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this week’s Senedd Sources, Ollie Cole, Jo Kiernan and Craig Lawton unpack the Caerphilly by-election fallout, the rise (and stall) of Reform UK in Wales, and the quiet competence of Plaid Cymru’s ground game.They also look ahead to Wales’ long-delayed Investment Summit, asking whether it will deliver real inward investment or just more political headlines. With First Minister Eluned Morgan under pressure and Rebecca Evans standing down, how stable is Welsh Labour’s economic strategy heading into next year’s Senedd elections?From Rachel Reeves’ “party of business” pivot to the Tories’ identity crisis and the endless debate over “growth you can feel in your pocket”, this is a lively, insider-led look at what’s really happening in Welsh politics.👉 Subscribe for weekly insights on Welsh politics, policy and the Senedd election campaign. 📱 Send us a WhatsApp voice note with your thoughts: 0333 404 6507 (start your message with Senedd). 🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple or watch the full conversation here on YouTube. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Caerphilly by-election has shaken Welsh politics to its core. In this Senedd Sources flash reaction episode, Calum Macdonald, Jo Kiernan and Craig Lawton unpack a dramatic night for Welsh democracy.👉 Plaid Cymru has claimed victory with 47% of the vote — the party’s first win in Caerphilly for 100 years — while Labour crashed to third, and Reform UK surged into second with 36%. What does this mean for Keir Starmer’s Labour, for Nigel Farage’s Reform movement, and for Welsh politics ahead of the 2026 Senedd election?In this episode:Why turnout hit a record 50% — and what it tells us about voter angerHow tactical voting shaped the resultWhy Reform’s rise could reshape the Senedd in 2026Whether Plaid Cymru can hold together its new coalition of votersWhat Labour must do to recover before May 2026📺 Subscribe to Senedd Sources on YouTube for sharp, insider analysis of Welsh politics — from the Caerphilly by-election to the road to 2026.🎧 Also listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Senedd Sources, Ollie Cole, Jo Kiernan and Craig Lawton are joined by Cathy Owens (Cavendish Consulting), who shares exclusive new YouGov polling on Welsh attitudes toward energy, renewables, and climate change.They explore:Why 70% of Welsh voters back onshore renewables like wind and solarThe disconnect between voters and political parties on climate policyHow Plaid Cymru, Labour, and the Conservatives are positioning themselves ahead of the 2026 Senedd electionsWhether Wales risks losing investment because of slow grid upgradesThe political dangers of talking about net zero vs. talking about jobs and growthExpect sharp insights on:How cost-of-living pressures are changing views on climate actionThe coming clash over pylons, undergrounding, and rural protest movementsWhy Plaid Cymru faces a “horseshoe problem” inside its own baseWhat the data says about nuclear power and offshore vs onshore renewables📞 Send us your thoughts: WhatsApp: 0333 404 6507 — start your message with Senedd 📧 Email: hello@seneddsources.com🎧 Listen on Spotify / Apple / Google — or watch full episodes on YouTube. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It’s crunch time in Caerphilly. New polling puts Reform UK ahead of Plaid Cymru — and Welsh Labour facing a nightmare scenario. On this week’s Senedd Sources Podcast, Ollie Cole, Jo Kiernan, and Craig Lawton break down what’s really happening on the ground, the fallout from Plaid Cymru’s party conference, and the latest twists in the Senedd budget negotiations.We cover:📊 The latest Caerphilly by-election poll — Reform UK leads Plaid Cymru 42–38⚡ The impact of Nigel Farage’s visit and questions over Russian links🏛️ Labour’s struggles in Welsh Government and locally in Caerphilly🌱 Plaid Cymru’s childcare policy, energy protests, and independence debate💷 Budget brinkmanship in Cardiff Bay — and could Welsh Conservatives cut a deal?🎙️ Plus: The disastrous TV hustings that turned voters off👉 Subscribe for more in-depth analysis of Welsh politics, from those who’ve worked inside the Senedd and advised First Ministers. 📱 WhatsApp your questions and voice notes to 0333 404 6507 (start your message with Senedd). 📩 Email: hello@seneddsources.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.