Walescast

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.

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 Editor Colin Mackay about the political landscape in Scotland and what this moment could mean for the independence movement. The podcast also hears from BBC Northern Ireland Political Reporter Brendan Hughes, who offers insight into the picture in Northern Ireland.

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.

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 politicians from a different political parties.

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.