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.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
13episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Senedd Walkout, Childcare Cash Crises & The New Lobbying Register
1w ago00:53:16Tap to summarizeDrama has officially arrived in the expanded Senedd. In this week's episode of Senedd Sources, Ollie Cole, Jo Kiernan, and Craig Lawton unpack a tumultuous week in Welsh politics marked by a full-blown chamber walkout, a massive policy clash over international spending, and a surprise legislative win for Reform UK.First, we break down the fallout from Reform UK MS Joe Martin’s controversial speeches on asylum seekers and international development, which prompted Plaid Cymru, Labour, and Green MSs to turn their backs and walk out. Is this insurgent tactic here to stay, or will the Presiding Officer Huw Irranca-Davis clamp down with sanctions?Next, we dive deep into the numbers. Finance Minister Elon Jones is laying down a supplementary budget for the NHS and childcare pledges, but former First Minister Mark Drakeford has some choice words about Plaid’s math. Where is the money going to come from?Finally, we discuss the new statutory lobbying register—a massive early win for Reform UK—and break down the brand-new Senedd committee chairs.✉️ Get in touch!Have a comment or question you want us to dive into on the next show?WhatsApp Voice Note: 0333 404 6507 (Start your message with the word Senedd)Email: Hello@seneddsources.comSubscribe on your favorite podcast app so you never miss an episode! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Transcribe →Plaid's Costings Question: Unexpected Alliances and Childcare Battles
2w ago00:37:02Tap to summarizeBaby steps or budget headaches?This week, Plaid Cymru found itself under growing pressure to explain one of its flagship election promises: expanding childcare provision across Wales. Opposition parties are demanding answers on costings, delivery and timescales, while ministers insist details are on the way.In this episode of Senedd Sources, Ollie Cole, Jo Kiernan and Craig Lawton examine the first signs that governing may prove much harder than campaigning, as the new Welsh Government faces scrutiny from all sides.We discuss:Why Plaid Cymru's childcare plans are already under pressureThe row over costings and whether the numbers add upThe unexpected voting alliances emerging in the new SeneddHow Reform UK is adapting to life as the largest opposition groupThe long-awaited announcement of Senedd committeesWhich parties could end up controlling key scrutiny rolesWhether an expanded Senedd is coping with its growing workloadThe latest Labour Party turmoil and what Andy Burnham's leadership ambitions could mean for Welsh politicsWith the honeymoon period fading, committees finally taking shape and ministers facing tougher questions, Welsh politics is entering a fascinating new chapter.🎧 Subscribe for weekly analysis of 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 #Senedd #PlaidCymru #RhunapIorwerth #ReformUK #WelshGovernment #WalesPolitics #PoliticsPodcast #WelshLabour #Devolution #SeneddSourcesWelcome inside Welsh politics.*****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 Honeymoon Is Over: Plaid's First FMQs & Adam Price Tackles the Economy
3w ago00:45:31Tap to summarizePlaid Cymru's honeymoon period is over.This week saw the first First Minister's Questions of the new Senedd term, with Reform UK taking on the role of main opposition and putting Rhun ap Iorwerth's government under immediate pressure over NHS waiting times, economic promises and delivery.In this episode of Senedd Sources, Ollie Cole, Jo Kiernan and Craig Lawton break down the first FMQs of the new government, Adam Price's increasingly high-profile economic agenda, and what the early weeks of Plaid Cymru's administration tell us about the challenges ahead.We discuss:Reform UK's first major test as the Senedd's largest opposition groupWhether Plaid Cymru can deliver on its NHS waiting time promisesAdam Price's plan to tackle Wales' productivity problemRenewable energy, investment and the row over pylonsThe battle over nuclear power and infrastructure investmentWhy Senedd committees still haven't been formedAnd what the changing politics of Wales means for devolution and the future of the UnionWith expectations high, scrutiny intensifying and Plaid Cymru now having to turn rhetoric into results, the first real tests of government are beginning.🎧 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 #Senedd #FMQs #RhunapIorwerth #AdamPrice #ReformUK #WelshGovernment #WalesPolitics #PoliticsPodcast #Devolution #NHSWales*****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 →Who Pays? IFS Warnings & Rhun Reopening The M4 Debate
4w 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
May 2100:35:41Tap 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
May 1400:36:55Tap 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
May 900:33:26Tap 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?
May 700:31:57Tap 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.
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