Walescast

Fliss is joined by our Political Editor Gareth Lewis and David Philips from the Institute for Fiscal Studies to discuss the Welsh Labour manifesto launch and to mop up another campaign launch for the Welsh Green party. You can find our other ''The Manifesto Launches'' episodes on BBC Sounds - we will be covering six of the main parties launches.

Until the 7th of May, the BBC will be looking into how the Senedd election is unfolding on social media feeds across Wales. On this episode of Walescast, Ben Summer from the News Impact Team, joins Fliss and James to explain how. Using data and analysis from the National Centre for Social Research, he has set up six social media profiles for fictional voters based in different parts of Wales. Ben...

Following the Senedd shutting up shop... Walescast kicks off it's dedicated election coverage with a look back at what's happened over the weekend and what's coming up this week. On this Monday Briefing Fliss and James discuss campaign launches and what happens if no party reaches a majority.

It's the final week for Senedd business ahead of the Welsh election. Fliss and James have set up shop in the new Siambr to talk about polls, policies and what lies ahead for the political parties in May. They are joined by BBC Wales Correspondents, our Political Editor Gareth Lewis and Dr Jac Larner from Wales Governance Centre. You can watch this episode of Walescast on BBC iPlayer.

Following the first in a series of BBC Wales election debates James is joined by Welsh political commentators Will Hayward and Betsan Powys to digest the details. They also speak to the Presenter Nick Servini and Political Editor Gareth Lewis live from Wrexham. You can hear all about the big issues raised on the day in this special episode of Walescast that will also be providing coverage of all t...

Walescast heads to St John's Church in Canton for the Wales Green's Action Day. James talks to their Welsh leader Anthony Slaughter and the party leader for England and Wales Zack Polanski. He also catches up with other members as they knock doors around the city as well as BBC Wales Political Correspondent Cemlyn Davies. This episode is the final trip Walescast made to the six main parties events...

Fliss is joined by Nick Servini as campaigns heat up on the road to the 2026 Senedd election. They catch up with Joanna Stallard from Welsh Labour, Jason O'Connell from Reform UK and Rodney Berman from the Welsh Liberal Democrats. Walescast was joined by Plaid Cymru, the Welsh Conservatives and the Green Party on last week's episode. We are back on TV for a few weeks and you can watch this episode...

Walescast heads to the Leonardo Hotel in Cardiff for the Welsh Liberal Democrats conference. Fliss talks to their leader Jane Dodds, their MP David Chadwick and other candidates and members. We also catch up with our Political Correspondent Rhodri Lewis to digest the day. This episode makes up one of the many trips Walescast has made to the six main parties events, rallies and conferences over the...

Fliss is joined by our Political Editor Gareth Lewis and David Philips from the Institute for Fiscal Studies to discuss a busy week of manifesto launches from the Welsh Conservatives and Reform.

Fliss is joined by Nick Servini as campaigning gets underway for the 2026 Senedd election. They catch up with Sam Rowlands from the Welsh Conservatives, Philip Davies from the Welsh Greens and Plaid Cymru's Llyr Gruffydd about their launches into the election. We will be joined by Welsh Labour, Reform and the Liberal Democrats on next week's episode. Walescast is back on TV for four weeks and you...

Walescast heads to Newport Market for Welsh Labour's Campaign Launch. Fliss talks to the First Minister, Labour politicians and candidates about their hopes for May. We also catch up with our Political Editor Gareth Lewis to digest the day. This episode makes up one of the many trips Walescast will make to the main parties events, rallies and conferences over the election period.

Walescast heads to the International Conference Centre in Newport for Plaid Cymru's 2026 conference. James talks to politicians and punters about their hopes for May and catches up with our Political Editor Gareth Lewis to digest the day. This episode makes up one of the many trips Walescast will make to the main parties events, rallies and conferences over the election period.

Fliss and James discuss this week's Senedd vote on assisted dying and they’re joined by David Phillips from the Institute for Fiscal Studies to explore the challenges facing future Welsh Government funding.

The Prime Minister travelled to Taff’s Well to throw his weight behind Transport for Wales’ £14 billion proposals to “transform” the nation’s railways. But what would this actually mean for passengers and communities in Wales? James and Fliss unpack the announcement with our Political Correspondent Cemlyn Davies, following his interview with the Prime Minister and First Minister. They’re also join...

Walescast heads to Llandudno's Venue Cymru for the Welsh Conservative's 2026 conference. James speaks to their Leader in the Senedd Darren Millar as well as catching up with some other politicians and members to see what the vibe is ahead of the Senedd election in May. We also catch up with our Political Editor Gareth Lewis and hear about his interview with the Conservative Leader Kemi Badenoch. T...

Wales' First Minister has given her backing to the Prime Minister following the Peter Mandelson scandal and the former US ambassador's departure from the Labour Party. Following criticism around Eluned Morgan's delayed statement from opposition parties, she says she has full confidence in his leadership. Former Special Advisor to the Welsh Government Cathy Owens and Political Editor Gareth Lewis j...

James and Fliss are joined by Chris Birt from the Joseph Rowntree Foundation to discuss poverty in Wales and what the charity believes the next Welsh Government need to do to tackle it.

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 reacti...

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,...

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 Wale...

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 r...

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 unp...