Podcast
Senedd Sources
Hosted by Shortbread Media · EN
Welcome inside Welsh politics. Senedd Sources hears from those who have lived it in decision-forming and policy-making for Wales to assess politics, today, in Wales and for Wales. Join journalist Ollie Cole, as well as Jo Kiernan, former adviser to Welsh Labour First Ministers Rhodri Morgan and Carwyn Jones, now at Cavendish Consulting, and former Welsh Conservative candidate and adviser Craig Lawton of Grasshopper Communications, as they share their experiences, and shape conversation about Welsh politics today.
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10episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Who Pays? IFS Warnings & Rhun Reopening The M4 Debate
1w ago00:44:30Tap to summarizePlaid Cymru has wasted no time setting out its priorities for government — but can Wales actually afford them?In this episode of Senedd Sources, we break down Rhun ap Iorwerth’s surprise intervention on the M4 relief road, the political risks of reopening one of Wales’ most divisive infrastructure debates, and the mounting economic pressure facing the new Welsh Government.Joining Ollie Cole, Jo Kiernan and Craig Lawton is David Phillips from the Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS), who warns that “the good times are over” as ministers prepare for some of the toughest budget decisions since devolution began.We discuss:- Whether Rhun ap Iorwerth can realistically deliver an M4 solution- The brutal financial choices facing the Welsh Government- Can Plaid Cymru afford its childcare and NHS pledges?- Why politicians struggle to level with voters about the economy- Potential cuts to public services and the civil service- How Wales compares economically to the rest of the UK- And whether there is actually room for optimism in the Welsh economyWith budgets tightening, pressure mounting on public services, and expectations sky-high after the Senedd election, this is essential listening for anyone following Welsh politics, Plaid Cymru, or the future direction of Wales.🎧 Subscribe for weekly analysis on Welsh politics, the Senedd, and policymaking.📲 Send us your voice notes on WhatsApp: 0333 404 6507 (start your message with “Senedd”)📧 hello@seneddsources.com#WelshPolitics #PlaidCymru #RhunapIorwerth #Senedd #M4 #M4ReliefRoad #WalesPolitics #IFS #UKPolitics #WelshGovernment #PoliticsPodcast*****Welcome inside Welsh politics. Senedd Sources hears from those who have lived it in decision-forming and policy-making for Wales to assess politics, today, in Wales and for Wales. Join journalist Ollie Cole, former Welsh Labour adviser Jo Kiernan and former Welsh Conservative candidate and adviser Craig Lawton as they share their experiences, and shape conversation about Welsh politics today. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Transcribe →How Reform UK & The Tories Are Re-Shaping Senedd Opposition
2w ago00:35:41Tap to summarizeIn this episode of Senedd Sources, Ollie Cole and Craig Lawton break down the new political landscape in Wales as the dust settles after the 2026 Senedd election. Will Plaid Cymru actually be affective now they are in power, and are they facing pressure to deliver in the first 100 days?How will Reform and the Conservatives function in opposition? And will Mark Drakeford's intervention this week shake up the strategy in Welsh Labour? Is the former First Minister still a relevant voice within the party? We also discuss on the show: Reform UK’s new shadow cabinet and strategy.Childcare policy challenges and government spending. The future leadership battle inside Welsh Labour. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Transcribe →Plaid Takes Power & Reform Finds Its Role - Wales Settles Into New Leadership
3w ago00:36:55Tap to summarizePlaid Cymru is in power. Labour is out for the first time in the history of devolution. And Reform UK is now the official opposition in a dramatically reshaped Senedd.In this episode of Senedd Sources, Jo Kiernan and Craig Lawton break down the election aftermath, Rhun ap Iorwerth’s first moves as First Minister, and what Plaid’s new cabinet tells us about the direction of the Welsh Government.From major cabinet appointments to committee battles and minority government maths, this is the inside story of how Wales’ new political era is beginning.With Plaid Cymru now governing without a majority, how difficult will it be to hold together a new administration while negotiating vote-by-vote in a larger Senedd? And what role will Reform UK play as a powerful new opposition force?Plus:- Why Labour faces a huge rebuilding challenge- The balancing act over farming, energy and net zero- How committee chairs and Senate numbers could shape Welsh politics for years📥 Have your say! What’s the first thing the new Welsh Government should do?WhatsApp us: 0333 404 6507 (Start with 'Senedd')Email: hello@seneddsources.com*****Welcome inside Welsh politics. Senedd Sources hears from those who have lived it in decision-forming and policy-making for Wales to assess politics, today, in Wales and for Wales. Join journalist Ollie Cole, former Welsh Labour adviser Jo Kiernan and former Welsh Conservative candidate and adviser Craig Lawton as they share their experiences, and shape conversation about Welsh politics today. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Transcribe →The Day Welsh Politics Changed Forever: Election Results Special
4w ago00:33:26Tap to summarizeThe face of Welsh politics has been utterly transformed. In this emergency weekend edition of Senedd Sources, Ollie Cole and Jo Kiernan dissect a brutal election day that saw Labour’s Eluned Morgan become the first head of a British government to lose her seat in modern history.With Plaid Cymru (43 seats) and Reform UK (34 seats) dominating the new 96-seat Senedd, we look at the "two-horse race" narrative that squeezed the traditional parties and what a Plaid Cymru minority government means for the future of Wales.Topics covered:The collapse of the Labour vote and Eluned Morgan’s resignation.Why Reform UK outperformed expectations (but missed their majority).The "Squeeze": How the new voting system backfired on its creators.Is Keir Starmer to blame? The view from Westminster vs. Cardiff Bay.The Liberal Democrat and Green struggle for relevance. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Transcribe →Wales Election Day 2026: Can Reform or Plaid Cymru Dethrone Labour?
4w ago00:31:57Tap to summarizeIs the 100-year reign of Welsh Labour about to end? 🏴 As the polls open, Ollie Cole and Jo Kiernan dive into the final "vibes" of the campaign and the chaos of the new voting system.It’s Election Day in Wales, and the stakes couldn't be higher. In this episode of Senedd Sources, we break down the final polling, the exhaustion of the campaign trail, and the very real possibility that First Minister Eluned Morgan could lose her seat.The "Slugfest": Why this election has become a head-to-head between Plaid Cymru and Reform UK.The New System: How the 16 "super-constituencies" and proportional representation are baffling both voters and parties.The Keir Starmer Factor: Is the UK Prime Minister a help or a hindrance on the Welsh doorstep?Governing the Morning After: The "painful" reality of forming a minority government and why most manifestos are currently "unaffordable."📥 Have your say! What’s the first thing the new Welsh Government should do?WhatsApp us: 0333 404 6507 (Start with 'Senedd')Email: hello@seneddsources.com*****Welcome inside Welsh politics. Senedd Sources hears from those who have lived it in decision-forming and policy-making for Wales to assess politics, today, in Wales and for Wales. Join journalist Ollie Cole, former Welsh Labour adviser Jo Kiernan and former Welsh Conservative candidate and adviser Craig Lawton as they share their experiences, and shape conversation about Welsh politics today. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Transcribe →LIVE in Bridgend: Energy, Bills & the Battle for Wales’ Future
May 101:27:07Tap to summarizeWith just one week to go until polling day, the race for Wales is entering its final stage — and the battle over energy and the cost of living is front and centre.In this special live episode of Senedd Sources, recorded in front of an audience at the Electric Brewery Field in Bridgend, Jo Kiernan and Craig Lawton are joined by representatives from Welsh Labour, Reform UK and Plaid Cymru to debate one of the biggest issues facing voters: energy bills.As households and businesses across Wales continue to feel the pressure, the question is simple — who has the plan to bring costs down?They discuss:- How each party would tackle rising energy bills- The push for energy independence in Wales- Onshore vs offshore wind — and the political divide- Nuclear, tidal and the future energy mix- Planning delays and why projects take so long- Whether communities are being brought along — or left behind- And how all of this could shape the final week of the campaign!With polling tight and momentum shifting, this live debate captures the key arguments defining the 2026 Senedd election.🎧 Subscribe for weekly analysis on Welsh politics, the Senedd and the decisions shaping Wales.📲 Send us your thoughts or questions: hello@seneddsources.com*****Welcome inside Welsh politics. Senedd Sources hears from those who have lived it in decision-forming and policy-making for Wales to assess politics, today, in Wales and for Wales. Join journalist Ollie Cole, former Welsh Labour adviser Jo Kiernan and former Welsh Conservative candidate and adviser Craig Lawton as they share their experiences, and shape conversation about Welsh politics today. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Election Debate: Join us LIVE - TOMORROW (Tuesday)
Apr 2700:06:50Tap to summarizeTomorrow, Tuesday 28th April, we’re bringing the Senedd Sources podcast to Bridgend for a live special ahead of next week’s Senedd election - and you are very welcome to come and join us, to hear the discussion and to ask your questions of the politicians who will be with us.Tickets are completely FREE but we do need you to register so we know you’re coming along… head to seneddsources.com/liveJoin us live to discuss and debate the energy future of Wales, the economy and the election. Ask your questions of politicians and take part in our live podcast, sponsored by Electrify Britain.We’ll be joined by: Huw Irranca-Davies, Labour, Deputy First Minister of WalesJason O’Connell, Reform UKLuke Fletcher, Plaid Cymru. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Transcribe →Neck-and-Neck: Reform and Plaid Surge, Labour Slides And 92,000 New Voters in Wales?!
Apr 2300:56:16Tap to summarizeNew Voters, New Polls - And Two Weeks 'Till Polling Day! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Transcribe →Big Promises, Awkward Answers - Pick'n'Mix Manifestos & Possible Senedd Coalitions
Apr 1600:55:15Tap to summarizeWith just weeks to go until election day, Welsh politics is now firmly in high-pressure mode.From tense TV debates to costed (and uncosted) manifesto battles, party leaders are being pushed harder than ever on whether their promises stack up in reality. And in a car crash channel Four interview, Jane Dodds and the Liberal Democrats found themselves directly in the line of fire.In this episode of Senedd Sources Ollie Cole, Jo Kiernan and Craig Lawton, break down a week where political messaging met real-world scrutiny.- Jane Dodds’ interviews focus on the Lib Dems’ funding issue- Why TV debates are becoming decisive campaign moments- Eluned Morgan under pressure as Labour defends its record- Reform’s Dan Thomas - can he transform disruption to credibility?- The Greens’ strategy for post-election influence- And are Plaid Cymru’s signalling on potential coalition negotiations?Plus, Correspondence Corner returns as we examine the latest campaign leaflets landing on doorsteps across Wales - and what they reveal about how parties are really trying to win votes.📩 Get in touch: seneddsources@example.com📞 Call us: 029 1234 5678*****Welcome inside Welsh politics. Senedd Sources hears from those who have lived it in decision-forming and policy-making for Wales to assess politics, today, in Wales and for Wales. Join journalist Ollie Cole, former Welsh Labour adviser Jo Kiernan and former Welsh Conservative candidate and adviser Craig Lawton as they share their experiences, and shape conversation about Welsh politics today. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Transcribe →A TV Debate Grilling, the Green Professional Rebrand - And the Independence Elephant in the Room
Apr 900:54:27Tap to summarizeThe Greens are rebranding. TV debates are heating up. And the Independence question looms large over Welsh politics.With four weeks to go until election day, journalist Ollie Cole, Jo Kiernan and Craig Lawton to unpack the Greens’ push for a professional image, political media training, and the looming issue of Welsh independence in the upcoming elections.They explore:- How the Greens are reshaping their public persona- Why independence remains a pivotal issue in Welsh politics- How politicians respond when the public presses them on policy- Anthony Slaughter’s latest policy adjustments- And Plaid Cymru’s upcoming launchPlus, a return to Correspondence Corner to break down some of the latest messaging and leaflets from candidates across Wales.📩 Get in touch: seneddsources@example.com📞 Call us: 029 1234 5678*****Welcome inside Welsh politics. Senedd Sources hears from those who have lived it in decision-forming and policy-making for Wales to assess politics, today, in Wales and for Wales. Join journalist Ollie Cole, former Welsh Labour adviser Jo Kiernan and former Welsh Conservative candidate and adviser Craig Lawton as they share their experiences, and shape conversation about Welsh politics today. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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