Walescast

Ahead of the annual Labour Party conference, the Prime Minister is in Manchester and talks to our Political Editor Gareth Lewis about independence, the future of devolution, and speculation of an early general election.

Following Reform UK Wales' first week under new leader Helen Jenner, our Political Correspondent Dan Davies walks us through the party reshuffle and what her leadership might mean for the opposition in the Senedd. Health Correspondent Owain Clarke brings us the latest NHS figures and unpacks why there has been confusion over waiting times targets. Plus, Shelley Phelps joins us from Westminster after attending the Liberal Democrats' UK conference.

Following a difficult week for Reform in Wales, Nigel Farage arrived on the steps of the Senedd to unveil Helen Jenner MS as the party's new Welsh leader. She takes over from Dan Thomas, who stepped down after being arrested on suspicion of assault and controlling or coercive behaviour.
Jenner faces the challenge of uniting the party after a turbulent start to the new Senedd term that saw the loss of its leader and the defection of one of its Senedd Members.
Fliss is joined by BBC Wales Political Editor Gareth Lewis to discuss Farage's press conference, the challenges facing Jenner as she takes the helm, and what her appointment could mean for Reform's future in Wales.
Walescast sat down with Helen Jenner as part of our summer series. You can listen to that episode here - https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/p0p6gs1g.

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 of Walescast, former civil servant Des Clifford joins Fliss to discuss why both sides need to stay at the negotiating table and what is at stake if an agreement can't be reached. Dr Steffan Evans from the Bevan Foundation also explains new research into Flying Start and whether it is the best vehicle for providing childcare on a universal basis.

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.