Senedd Sources

The vibes summer is over — and now Plaid Cymru faces the reality of governing Wales.

In this episode of the Senedd Sources Podcast, we look at what comes next for Rhun ap Iorwerth and Plaid Cymru as the Senedd returns. After a summer of reflection, political negotiations and some very memorable ministerial photo opportunities, the focus is now firmly on delivery.

We discuss:
🔹 Plaid Cymru's first months in government
🔹 How to govern Wales as a minority government — and who Plaid Cymru needs to work with
🔹 NHS waiting lists and the pressure to deliver improvements
🔹 Plaid Cymru's childcare promises
🔹 Andy Burnham and the future of Welsh devolution
🔹 Cardiff's case for capital-city policing funding
🔹 And, of course, Rhun ap Iorwerth making crêpes in a suit…

With the Senedd returning soon, the honeymoon period may be coming to an end. The question now is simple: can Plaid Cymru turn the good vibes into real delivery?

🎙️ Senedd Sources is your podcast taking you inside Welsh politics, with analysis, insight and conversation about the people and decisions shaping Wales.

📍 For more info on our LIVE Senedd Sources event, visit: https://seneddsources.com/live

✉️ Get in contact for our Q&A episode!
WhatsApp Voice Note: 0333 404 6507 (Start your message with the word Senedd)
Email: Hello@seneddsources.com

👍 Like the video, subscribe to Senedd Sources and leave your thoughts in the comments.

#WelshPolitics #Senedd #Wales #PlaidCymru #ReformUK #WelshLabour #WelshGovernment #SeneddCymru #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 and former Welsh Labour adviser Jo Kiernan they share their experiences, and shape conversation about Welsh politics today.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of the Senedd Sources podcast, Ollie Cole returns to join former First Minister advisor Jo Kiernan to break down the reality behind the 100-day milestone, the missing political leadership during key moments, and what Prime Minister Andy Burnham’s visit to South Wales means for Welsh politics.
We look past the 96 ticked-off promises to explore whether laying foundations, task forces, and expert groups actually translate into tangible change for people in Wales—from wait times in the NHS to childcare and local transport.

We talk:
🔹 Welcome Back & Reflecting on the New Senedd Members
🔹 Plaid Cymru's 100 Days: Arbitrary Milestone or Real Progress?
🔹 Foundations, Task Forces, and Policy Deliverables
🔹 Where is Rhun ap Iorwerth? The Politics of Summer Recess
🔹 Government Comms vs. Party Political Messaging
🔹 Prime Minister Andy Burnham Visits South Wales & Tate Steel

Plaid Cymru has hit its 100-day milestone leading the Welsh Government, but where is First Minister Rhun ap Iorwerth - and what has actually been delivered?
For more info on our LIVE Senedd Sources event, visit: https://seneddsources.com/live
✉️ Get in contact for our Q&A episode!
WhatsApp Voice Note: 0333 404 6507 (Start your message with the word Senedd)
Email: Hello@seneddsources.com
📍 Subscribe for weekly breakdowns of Welsh and UK politics from inside the Senedd so you never miss an episode!
#WelshPolitics #Senedd #Wales #PlaidCymru #ReformUK #WelshLabour #WelshGovernment #SeneddCymru #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 and former Welsh Labour adviser Jo Kiernan they share their experiences, and shape conversation about Welsh politics today.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What does the future of Welsh politics look like?

In this episode of the Senedd Sources Podcast, Jo Kiernan is joined by three new Members of the Senedd — Elwyn Vaughan (Plaid Cymru), Sarah Cooper-Lesadd (Reform UK) and Huw Thomas (Welsh Labour) — to discuss their first months in the Senedd and their priorities for Wales.

The new Senedd has already seen plenty of political debate, and the three guests reflect on what they've learned since being elected, the challenges of becoming a new MS and what they want to achieve during the new parliamentary term.

We talk:
🔹 The future of Welsh politics and the changing Senedd
🔹 Reform UK, Plaid Cymru and Welsh Labour perspectives on Wales
🔹 Sarah Cooper-Lessad's personal journey from being in care and adoption to becoming an MS
🔹 The challenges facing Wales' economy and youth unemployment
🔹 Plaid Cymru's plans for a new economic development agency
🔹 Goals for Wales by 2030

With a new political landscape taking shape in Wales, this episode offers an insight into the priorities, ambitions and challenges facing the new Senedd.

For more info on our LIVE Senedd Sources event, visit: https://seneddsources.com/live

✉️ Get in contact for our Q&A episode!
WhatsApp Voice Note: 0333 404 6507 (Start your message with the word Senedd)
Email: Hello@seneddsources.com

📍 Subscribe for weekly breakdowns of Welsh and UK politics from inside the Senedd so you never miss an episode!

#WelshPolitics #Senedd #Wales #PlaidCymru #ReformUK #WelshLabour #WelshGovernment #SeneddCymru #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 and former Welsh Labour adviser Jo Kiernan they share their experiences, and shape conversation about Welsh politics today.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Wales is in the grip of an extraordinary heatwave — wildfires spreading, drought declared across the country, and a COBRA emergency meeting called by Prime Minister Andy Burnham. In this episode of Senedd Sources, Ollie and Jo ask the big question: was the government's response actually enough, or just talk?

The panel breaks down what really happens behind the scenes when a COBRA meeting is called, why Wales was left short of resources like helicopters early in the fire season, and whether the government's advice — including urging shops not to sell disposable barbecues — went far enough. They also look at the risk of rising food prices as extreme weather hits farming and supply chains.

Elsewhere in the episode:
- 97.7% of Welsh students hit A*-E — but is it good news?
- How Wales' universities are £7m+ in deficit
- Is Wales losing its brightest students to England?
- The true scale of Wales' holiday homes row
- And Senedd Sources Live is coming to Cardiff this September!

A jam-packed episode covering the biggest stories shaping Wales this summer.

For more info on our LIVE Senedd Sources event, visit: https://seneddsources.com/live

✉️ Get in contact for our Q&A episode!
WhatsApp Voice Note: 0333 404 6507 (Start your message with the word Senedd)
Email: Hello@seneddsources.com

📍 Subscribe for weekly breakdowns of Welsh and UK politics from inside the Senedd so you never miss an episode!

#WelshPolitics #Senedd #WalesWildfires #COBRA #AndyBurnham #WalesNews #UKPolitics #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 and former Welsh Labour adviser Jo Kiernan they share their experiences, and shape conversation about Welsh politics today.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Is Wales' holiday homes policy causing more harm than good?

The Welsh Government is reviewing the controversial 182-day holiday let rule after growing criticism from business owners, campaigners and politicians. In this episode of Senedd Sources, we ask whether the policy has backfired—and what happens next.

This week, we dive into one of the biggest political debates in Wales, hearing from representatives of the Professional Association of Self Caterers (PASC UK Cymru), who argue the current rules are putting tourism businesses under huge financial pressure and taking a serious toll on people's mental health. We explore whether the policy is achieving its original aims, what changes could be on the horizon, and why this issue continues to divide opinion across Wales.

We also discuss:
🔹 The latest on the quarry flooding investigation and the political response after homes were evacuated.
🔹 How Plaid Cymru's new government is using the National Eisteddfod to unveil major policy announcements.
🔹 Whether the government's first 100 days are living up to expectations.
🔹 The biggest stories shaping Welsh politics this week.

If you want to understand what's really happening in Welsh politics, Senedd decision-making and the policies affecting communities across Wales, you're in the right place.

👍 Subscribe for weekly analysis of Welsh politics, interviews with key decision-makers and in-depth discussion of the issues making the headlines.

✉️ Got something you want us to dig into next week?

WhatsApp Voice Note: 0333 404 6507 (Start your message with the word Senedd)
Email: Hello@seneddsources.com

#WelshPolitics #Wales #PlaidCymru #Senedd #HolidayHomes #182DayRule #Tourism #WelshGovernment #Eisteddfod #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 and former Welsh Labour adviser Jo Kiernan as they share their experiences, and shape conversation about Welsh politics today.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.