Walescast

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.

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.

Fliss and James are joined by BBC Wales' Health Correspondent to discuss his interviews with the new Health Minister and whether the extra funding he's announced can cut down waiting lists.

Childcare returns to the political spotlight in Wales this week. James is joined by Political Editor Gareth Lewis to unpack the Welsh Government’s commitment to the policy, after surviving an important vote in the Senedd. They’re also joined by Steffan Evans from the Bevan Foundation to explore the real-world impact of getting childcare policy right (or wrong). Plus, James takes a closer look at a Welsh Affairs Committee report into prisons, probation and rehabilitation and the ''serious concerns'' it raises. Ella Rabaiotti from the Welsh Centre for Crime and Social Justice breaks down the findings and what it all means for Wales.

Fliss catches up with our political editor following the first FMQ's after Plaid Cymru's Senedd election victory. Rhun ap Iorwerth faced questions from members across the political spectrum covering topics from health to education.

The new Senedd is underway with new parties, new faces and a lot more MSs. How are the opposition navigating this new landscape? We’ll hear from the Welsh leader of Reform and the leader of the Welsh Conservatives. Podcast co-host and former Conservative member and advisor Craig Lawton also joins us in the lounge with Political Correspondent Elliw Gwawr.

On this week’s episode, we unpack a historic moment as Plaid Cymru unveils its new Cabinet following their victory in the 2026 Senedd election. Newly appointed Deputy First Minister Sioned Williams MS joins us to discuss the party’s priorities and what this new era of leadership means for Wales. Meanwhile, in Westminster, pressure continues to mount on the Prime Minister as questions swirl around his leadership. Claire Hughes MP throws her support behind Sir Keir Starmer. Political consultant Cathy Owens and BBC Wales Political Editor Daniel Davies break down the key developments and deliberate on what it all means for Wales and Westminster.

With less than 24 hours to go until Wales heads to the polls for the 2026 Senedd election James and Fliss take stock with Political Correspondent Daniel Davies.

Fliss and James catch up with our Health, Education and Environment Correspondent to unpack the policies and issues that have made it big in the Senedd election campaign so far — and those that haven’t.

The journalist behind the Undercover Voters project, Ben Summer, is back with a new story from his research. This time, he’s been examining how much political parties have been spending on social media over the Senedd election campaign. To find out more about the project, you can listen to our first interview with Ben ahead of the launch at https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/p0n9ns9x.

Fliss and James are joined by Dr Jac Larner to dicuss the latest YouGov/ ITV Wales/ Cardiff University poll as well as looking at what the bigger picture looks like. They also discuss the debates that have taken place and the leaders interviews on BBC Radio Walles.

Fliss is joined by our Political Editor Gareth Lewis and David Philips from the Institute for Fiscal Studies to discuss the Welsh Liberal Democrats manifesto launch. We have now discussed all of the six main parties manifestos. You can find the rest on BBC Sounds. They also reflect on the details they've digested over the past few weeks.

Today, Fliss and James are joined by Luke Tryl from More in Common to discuss his recent trip to Wales and what he’s been hearing from voters. The UK Director has been running focus groups across the country, exploring why people are planning to vote the way they are and the issues that matter most to them. We also hear from Ben Summer with the latest update on the Undercover Voters project and what he’s seeing so far across the six voter profiles.