Walescast

No big surprises, but plenty of smaller measures the government hopes can help ease cost of living pressures. So, what has the Chancellor unveiled, and what does the 2026 Budget mean for Wales? BBC Wales Political Editor Gareth Lewis speaks to the Secretary of State for Wales, while Welsh Government Finance Minister Elin Jones joins Fliss and James in the Walescast studio. They're also joined by Ben Saltmarsh of National Energy Action Cymru, Shadow Secretary of State for Wales Mims Davies, and Political Correspondent Cemlyn Davies to break down the key announcements and assess their impact on Wales.

Wales' Finance Minister has announced that the Welsh Government wants to delay a revaluation of homes for council tax purposes until 2032. Fliss and James are joined by David Phillips from the Institute for Fiscal Studies to digest the details and what it could mean for you. They also speak to Reform UK's Cai Parry-Jones, the Welsh Local Government Association's Cllr Lis Burnett, and BBC Wales Political Editor Gareth Lewis to discuss the decision. Plus, on the 60th anniversary of the Aberfan disaster, they reflect on its lasting legacy with the historian and commentator Professor Sir Deian Hopkin.

Fliss and James are joined by guests to unpack the Welsh Government's agreement with Labour on its mini-budget. Politicians from the Welsh Conservatives, Welsh Labour and Reform UK Wales discuss the details, while BBC Wales Political Editor Gareth Lewis reflects on his interview with the Finance Minister and what the deal means for the Welsh Government. Walescast is back on TV for five weeks. Watch on Wednesdays on BBC One Wales and BBC iPlayer.

Plaid Cymru has unveiled plans to address two of Wales' most notorious transport bottlenecks - the M4 in the South and the Menai Strait crossing in the North. Nick Servini is joined by our Business and Political Correspondents to assess the proposed plans, explore the challenges involved and ask whether the Welsh Government can find a solution. We also wrap up our conference season coverage with Political Reporter Ewan Murrie, who rounds up the key moments from the Conservative and Green Party conferences.

The First Minister took to the stage in Llandudno to deliver his first conference speech since winning the Senedd election. Before an expectant audience, he celebrated Plaid Cymru's historic victory but also acknowledged the challenges ahead, including difficult budget decisions and his ambition to go further and faster on devolution in Wales. Elliw Gwawr presented today's episode and was joined by two political editors: the BBC's Gareth Lewis and WalesOnline's Ruth Mosalski.

Andy Burnham has set out his vision for transforming Britain, including a pledge to end the state pension triple lock from 2030 to help fund a new National Care Service in England. But what does it all mean for Wales? Fliss is joined by BBC Wales Political Editor Gareth Lewis, Business Correspondent Huw Thomas and David Phillips from the Institute for Fiscal Studies to unpack the announcements and examine where Wales fits into Burnham's plans.

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.

For the first time since devolution began, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland are all led by first ministers who support leaving the United Kingdom. Following a press conference with the three leaders, Fliss and James discuss the signing of an agreement, which argues that no Westminster government has the right to "block democracy". James reports from the event and speaks to STV's Political Editor Colin Mackay about the political landscape in Scotland and what this moment could mean for the independence movement. The podcast also hears from BBC Northern Ireland Political Reporter Brendan Hughes, who offers insight into the picture in Northern Ireland.

Fliss studies the latest PISA results that show Wales has fallen further behind other UK nations, as well as taking a look back at the Reform party conference.

Fliss and James are in Newborough, on Anglesey, to meet Reform UK's Welsh Deputy Leader. Joining her at the Pritchard Jones Institute they chat about her upbringing, career, Welsh identity and political journey. She also reveals the band she was in growing up and her time at the BRIT School for performing arts. Throughout August, Walescast has been travelling across the country to speak to politicians from a different political parties.

We have come to the end of Plaid Cymru's 100 Day Plan. But, what have they achieved in that time? Fliss catches up with BBC Wales' Political Editor Gareth Lewis to find out what's gone well and the issues that have arisen for the new Government. We listen to Gareth's interview with the Minister for Effectiveness and the Constitution as well as hearing from leaders of the opposition.

James is in Ynysangharad Park, overlooking the National Lido of Wales, to chat with Heledd Fychan MS. Recently appointed Minister for Culture and Sport in the new Plaid Cymru Government, she also serves as the party's Trefnydd and Chief Whip. In this wide-ranging interview, James and Heledd discuss Plaid Cymru's historic election victory, her own political journey, the current state of sport and culture in Wales, and the challenges and opportunities facing her party in government. Throughout August, Walescast is travelling across Wales to speak to politicians from different parties.

Fliss and James meet the new Welsh Labour leader Ken Skates MS at the John Summers Clock Tower on the former Shotton Steelworks site. In a wide-ranging conversation, they discuss his upbringing, career, experiences with mental health and the challenging period ahead for Welsh Labour. Throughout August, Walescast is travelling across Wales to speak to politicians from across the political spectrum.

Fliss and James are joined by three BBC political correspondents from Wales and Westminster. They discuss Burnham's first week as PM, what's been said about Wales and some familiar faces at the heart of his new cabinet. They also discuss an issue with the Welsh Government's Supplementary Budget plans.

The Royal Welsh is back, and James is joined by a variety of guests at the showground to discuss what a Plaid Cymru government means for rural affairs and Welsh farming. The conversation also turns to Westminster, where a new Prime Minister has taken office, and what these political changes could mean for agriculture and Welsh politics. This episode was recorded on 21 July 2026.

Ken Skates has been confirmed as the new permanent leader of Welsh Labour, inheriting a party facing significant challenges after its disappointing Senedd election performance. As he steps into the role, he'll become the public face of one of Wales's opposition parties, with the task of rebuilding support and restoring confidence in Welsh Labour. Former journalist and ex-Chief of Staff to the Welsh Government, Jo Kiernan, joins us to assess the scale of the challenge ahead and what Skates must do to turn the party's fortunes around. We also hear from our Political Editor Gareth Lewis, who looks ahead to Andy Burnham taking the reins after Keir Starmer's final week as Prime Minister. Can Burnham reset relations between Wales and Westminster, and what might his leadership mean for the future of Welsh politics and for the Labour party here?