Walescast

Nigel Farage has resigned as an MP, triggering a by-election he says he'll contest. Fliss and James are joined by Political Editor Gareth Lewis to unpack the dramatic move, how it came about and the reaction from Reform UK in Wales.
They also discuss plans for a new economic development agency, which the Welsh Government hopes will help boost productivity and drive economic growth. Former minister Andrew Davies explains why he scrapped the previous Welsh Development Agency in 2006 and what lessons can be learned from its demise.
Plus, how should governments tackle complex policy challenges? Andy Regan, Head of Nesta Cymru, joins the podcast to discuss what works best when it comes to delivering ambitious reforms, including in areas such as childcare.

In his first major speech since launching his bid to replace Keir Starmer, Andy Burnham focused on devolving power from Westminster. But what could it all mean for Wales? Greater Manchester, and the transformation Burnham says he's helped deliver there, was a focus of the speech. Fliss and guests examine the key ingredients behind the city's success and ask whether this can be replicated elsewhere in the UK, specifically in Wales.

Felicity Evans and Gareth Lewis speak to the Welsh Government's Finance Minister Elin Jones, and David Phillips from the Institute for Fiscal Studies, about the supplementary budget.

It's been ten years since the United Kingdom voted to leave the EU. James is in Ebbw Vale to reflect on the day. The town is part of the Blaenau Gwent where 62% of the population voted for Brexit, compared to an average of 52.5% across Wales. James talks to people about how they voted at the time and their thoughts on the decision ten years later.

Former First Minister Mark Drakeford joins James Williams and Gareth Lewis to assess Sir Keir Starmer's legacy, and to explain why he's backing Andy Burnham as his successor.