Home Podcasts Walescast
Walescast

Walescast

BBC Radio Wales 101 Episodes Sep 17, 2026

Walescast is a podcast from BBC Radio Wales that covers Welsh politics and current affairs. Hosts Felicity Evans and James Williams discuss the major issues affecting Wales. Each episode features exclusive interviews and in-depth analysis. It provides a comprehensive look at the political landscape and current events in Wales.

Episodes

What's childcare got to do with the Welsh Government's budget talks?
What's childcare got to do with the Welsh Government's budget talks? Sep 17, 2026 1409 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
Reform Under Pressure as Senedd Returns
Reform Under Pressure as Senedd Returns Sep 16, 2026 1965 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 p
Is Westminster's Time Coming to an End?
Is Westminster's Time Coming to an End? Sep 14, 2026 2085 For the first time since devolution began, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland are all led by first ministers who support leaving the United Kingdom. Following a press conference with the three leaders, Fliss and James discuss the signing of an agreement, which argues that no Westminster government has the right to "block democracy". James reports from the event and speaks to STV's Political Edit
'Must try harder' - Wales' poor PISA results
'Must try harder' - Wales' poor PISA results Sep 8, 2026 2047 Fliss studies the latest PISA results that show Wales has fallen further behind other UK nations, as well as taking a look back at the Reform party conference.
When we met Helen Jenner at the Pritchard Jones Institute
When we met Helen Jenner at the Pritchard Jones Institute Aug 27, 2026 2195 Fliss and James are in Newborough, on Anglesey, to meet Reform UK's Welsh Deputy Leader. Joining her at the Pritchard Jones Institute they chat about her upbringing, career, Welsh identity and political journey. She also reveals the band she was in growing up and her time at the BRIT School for performing arts. Throughout August, Walescast has been travelling across the country to speak to politic
Has Plaid Cymru's 100 Day Plan Paid Off?
Has Plaid Cymru's 100 Day Plan Paid Off? Aug 26, 2026 2170 We have come to the end of Plaid Cymru's 100 Day Plan. But, what have they achieved in that time? Fliss catches up with BBC Wales' Political Editor Gareth Lewis to find out what's gone well and the issues that have arisen for the new Government. We listen to Gareth's interview with the Minister for Effectiveness and the Constitution as well as hearing from leaders of the opposition.
When we met Heledd Fychan at the National Lido of Wales
When we met Heledd Fychan at the National Lido of Wales Aug 19, 2026 2331 James is in Ynysangharad Park, overlooking the National Lido of Wales, to chat with Heledd Fychan MS. Recently appointed Minister for Culture and Sport in the new Plaid Cymru Government, she also serves as the party's Trefnydd and Chief Whip. In this wide-ranging interview, James and Heledd discuss Plaid Cymru's historic election victory, her own political journey, the current state of sport and c
When we met Ken Skates at Shotton Steelworks
When we met Ken Skates at Shotton Steelworks Aug 14, 2026 2720 Fliss and James meet the new Welsh Labour leader Ken Skates MS at the John Summers Clock Tower on the former Shotton Steelworks site. In a wide-ranging conversation, they discuss his upbringing, career, experiences with mental health and the challenging period ahead for Welsh Labour. Throughout August, Walescast is travelling across Wales to speak to politicians from across the political spectrum.
What has Burnham's First Week Meant for Wales?
What has Burnham's First Week Meant for Wales? Jul 23, 2026 2208 Fliss and James are joined by three BBC political correspondents from Wales and Westminster. They discuss Burnham's first week as PM, what's been said about Wales and some familiar faces at the heart of his new cabinet. They also discuss an issue with the Welsh Government's Supplementary Budget plans.
Royal Welsh, Rural Affairs and a New Prime Minister
Royal Welsh, Rural Affairs and a New Prime Minister Jul 21, 2026 2464 The Royal Welsh is back, and James is joined by a variety of guests at the showground to discuss what a Plaid Cymru government means for rural affairs and Welsh farming. The conversation also turns to Westminster, where a new Prime Minister has taken office, and what these political changes could mean for agriculture and Welsh politics.This episode was recorded on 21 July 2026.
New Labour Leaders
New Labour Leaders Jul 16, 2026 1787 Ken Skates has been confirmed as the new permanent leader of Welsh Labour, inheriting a party facing significant challenges after its disappointing Senedd election performance. As he steps into the role, he'll become the public face of one of Wales's opposition parties, with the task of rebuilding support and restoring confidence in Welsh Labour. Former journalist and ex-Chief of Staff to the Wels
Budget Vote Loss: The Analysis
Budget Vote Loss: The Analysis Jul 15, 2026 2101 Plaid Cymru's plans for additional spending have been voted down in the Senedd after Labour refused to back proposed budget changes. Fliss and James are joined by Dr Ed Poole of the Wales Governance Centre and BBC Wales Political Editor Gareth Lewis to unpack the political fallout and examine the numbers in the budget. They also speak to Luke Sibieta from the Institute for Fiscal Studies about Add

Recommended