Drama 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.
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