Senedd Sources

Reform UK’s slate is collapsing, with multiple candidates dropping out just days before nominations close. Plaid Cymru is pitching the election as a ‘Two-Horse Race’. Labour has launched its manifesto — and a Strava social media campaign. And are the Greens really the ‘Kingmakers’?In this episode of Senedd Sources, Ollie Cole, Jo Kiernan, and Craig Lawton break down the latest developments shaping the 2026 Welsh election:Which candidates have already pulled out, and why Reform UK’s shrinking lists could reshape the contest- Plaid Cymru’s careful strategy versus Labour’s manifesto and local campaign efforts- How leaflets, manifestos, and grassroots campaigning could influence key constituencies- Why the Greens are claiming to be 'kingmakers'- Who's left on the Reform UK roster?With Reform struggling to maintain candidates, traditional parties under pressure, and smaller parties poised to make gains, this election could be one of the most unpredictable in recent Welsh history.*****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.

Reform is surging. The Conservatives are collapsing. And Wales is heading into an election with a totally new voting system.In this episode of Senedd Sources, Ollie Cole, Jo Kiernan and Craig Lawton break down the latest polling, what it means for each party, and why this could be the most unpredictable Welsh election yet.With Reform UK on the rise — led nationally by Nigel Farage — and traditional parties under pressure, the political map of Wales could be about to change dramatically. But is this surge sustainable, and where do Reform go next?Plus, Jessica Blair from Electoral Reform Society joins explains the brand new Senedd voting system, including:- What’s changed since the last election- How the new system works- Why small vote shifts could decide dozens of seatsPlus:- Why the Conservatives could face near wipeout- Whether Labour can recover- How Plaid Cymru and the Greens could benefit- The big unknowns that could decide the result*****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.

Wales are on track to make lying on the campaign trail illegal for politicians. But how would that actually work — and who decides what counts as a “lie”?As the Senedd elections rapidly approach, the campaign is ramping up - and policy leaflets are coming in thick and fast. Party are sharpening their messages and targeting their rivals - but how much of it cuts through?In this episode, we break down:- The proposed law on election lies and the big questions around enforcement- The rise of Reform and why other parties are focusing their attacks- What campaign leaflets reveal about party strategy- Whether voters understand Wales’ new voting system — and who benefits if they don’t- The planned ban on greyhound racing, and why it could face legal challenges- And whether hustings even matter in modern elections📩 A big fan of hustings? Got a leaflet through your door? Tell us what you think📱 WhatsApp: 0333 404 6507📧 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.

What does Keir Starmer really think about devolution?  Are the Lib Dems struggling to cut through?  And could the Greens end up holding power in Wales after the next election?This week on Senedd Sources, Ollie Cole, Craig Lawton and Jo Kiernan break down the political stories shaping Wales — from a leaked Westminster memo to campaign launches and shifting Senedd election momentum.Plus: Welsh Green Party leader Anthony Slaughter joins the podcast to discuss rising poll numbers, coalition talks, and what the Greens would demand in government.Sharp analysis. Insider perspectives. Welsh politics explained.🚨 Leaked memo controversy: Did Westminster just expose its real attitude toward Welsh devolution?⏳ Election pressure rising: With the Senedd vote approaching fast, which parties actually have momentum?🟡 Lib Dem reality check: Conference headlines, campaign strategy — and questions about relevance.🟢 Greens on the rise: Anthony Slaughter on polling breakthroughs and whether the Greens could decide the next Welsh government.📩 Join the conversationWhatsApp: 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.

Welsh politics is heating up!As the Conservatives and Reform unveil their nearly identical manifestos, Ollie Cole, Jo Kiernan and Craig Lawton break down what this actually means for voters ahead of the May election, and dissect what’s actually realistic—and what’s more fantasy than fact.In this episode:Reform UK & Tory manifestos – bold promises on hospitals, tax cuts, and civil service cuts… but can they actually deliver?The big rush for the Conservative launchWelsh Labour promises £4 billion for new hospitals in a fight for voters’ trust.And what’s really going on with the spy arrests in Wales?🎧 Subscribe for weekly analysis on Welsh politics, the Senedd, and policymaking.📲 Send us your voice notes on WhatsApp: 0333 404 6507 (start with “Senedd”)📧 hello@seneddsources.com

The clock is ticking in the Senedd. In this week’s episode Ollie Cole, Jo Kiernan, and Craig Lawton dive into what made Labour go early with their election campaign - and whether they think the Assisted Dying bill is all 'deep thinking and angst'. - Key takeaways from Plaid Cymru’s conference and their first 100 days priorities.- Labour’s early election campaign launch and strategic moves ahead of polling day.- How Reform UK’s rise is shaking up Welsh politics and the 2026 landscape.- The ongoing assisted dying debate in the Senedd and its implications for Wales’ NHS.- Insights into party strategies, leadership challenges, and policy scrutiny as Wales heads toward an intense election season.📌 Join the conversation: send voice notes, questions, or comments via WhatsApp at 0333 404 6507 or email hello@seneddsources.com🔔 Don’t forget to subscribe and catch every update on Welsh politics.

With just 11 weeks until the Senedd election, the campaign battle lines are becoming clearer.Keir Starmer visits Wales to stand alongside First Minister Eluned Morgan and announce a £14bn rail investment — but how much of it is new, and does it help Welsh Labour as the election looms? We discuss the optics of unity after internal Labour tensions and whether UK-level politics is weighing on devolved campaigns.Meanwhile, Plaid Cymru proposes mandatory 15–25% community ownership in large renewable energy projects, reigniting the debate over pylons, underground cables, investor confidence and who really pays on energy bills.We also examine a quiet Welsh Conservative conference, defections to Reform UK, and the shifting coalition maths that could shape the next Senedd. As May approaches, we ask: who has momentum — and who’s facing real pressure?📌 Senedd Sources takes you inside Welsh politics — from Cardiff Bay to Westminster. Subscribe for weekly analysis, interviews, and behind-the-scenes insight. 👉 Have a question or comment? Text us on 0333 404 6507 (start with "Senedd") or email hello@seneddsources.com

Labour faces one of its most turbulent weeks in years — and the fallout is being felt in Wales.In this episode of Senedd Sources, we break down the political storm engulfing Keir Starmer after controversy over a senior appointment, the resignation of key Downing Street figures, and mounting pressure from within Labour ranks — including intervention from Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar.So where does this leave Welsh Labour and First Minister Eluned Morgan ahead of the crucial 2026 Senedd election?Joining Ollie Cole, Jo Kiernan and Craig Lawton is Alex Barros-Curtis MP (Labour, Cardiff West) to discuss:Whether Starmer’s leadership is under real threatHow Westminster drama impacts Welsh politicsLabour’s slipping poll numbers in WalesThe rise of Reform UK and Plaid CymruThe growing tension between MPs and MSsWhy “Don’t Know” voters could decide the next Senedd electionWith conference season beginning and the Welsh political landscape shifting, this is essential listening for anyone following UK politics, Welsh Labour, or the future of devolution.🎧 Subscribe for weekly analysis on Welsh politics, the Senedd, and policymaking. 📲 Send us your voice notes on WhatsApp: 0333 404 6507 (start with “Senedd”) 📧 hello@seneddsources.com

Big political shifts are happening in Wales — and beyond. In this episode of Senedd Sources, we break down Reform UK’s major announcement, Labour’s mounting crisis at Westminster, and the behind-the-scenes battle that could shape the next Senedd.Nigel Farage has unveiled Dan Thomas as the new Reform UK leader in Wales, alongside confirmation that former Conservative MS James Evans has joined Reform. With a Senedd manifesto coming soon, is Reform building real momentum ahead of the 2026 Welsh election?Meanwhile, the UK Labour government is engulfed in controversy over Peter Mandelson’s appointment as US Ambassador and his past links to Jeffrey Epstein — triggering anger among Labour MPs and raising questions about Keir Starmer’s leadership. How will this crisis affect Welsh Labour and First Minister Eluned Morgan?Plus:Will Reform UK Wales break beyond ex-Tory support?Is Labour writing off Wales electorally?Why Eluned Morgan’s “go to the pub” message took offWho could become the next Presiding Officer of the SeneddWhat the new 96-member Senedd means for power, procedure and party balanceIf you follow Welsh politics, Reform UK, Labour Party turmoil, or the Senedd election, this episode is essential listening.📩 Send us your thoughts on WhatsApp: 0333 404 6507 (start with Senedd)📧 Email: hello@seneddsources.com🔔 Subscribe for weekly insider analysis of Welsh politics.