
Show Notes
Mark Drakeford has delivered a sharp assessment of Plaid Cymru’s first six months in government. But is the new Welsh Government losing its way?
In this episode of the Senedd Sources Podcast, former First Minister Mark Drakeford joins Calum Macdonald and Jo to discuss Plaid Cymru’s record so far, the controversy over council tax reform, the future of the M4 relief road and the challenges facing Welsh Labour after its election defeat.
Drakeford raises concerns about the government’s decision to abandon council tax revaluation, its environmental commitments and whether Plaid Cymru can deliver the progressive change it promised. He also reflects on Labour’s role in opposition, the prospect of a closer Labour–Plaid relationship and the political lessons both parties need to learn.
We talk: 🔹 Mark Drakeford’s verdict on Plaid Cymru — how generous should we be towards a new government? 🔹 The council tax row — why has the Welsh Government abandoned revaluation, and what does it mean for tackling poverty? 🔹 Plaid Cymru’s first six months in power — early decisions, political misjudgements and the challenge of governing in a minority 🔹 The M4 relief road — is Wales changing direction on transport and climate policy? 🔹 Welsh rivers and the environment — concerns over slurry spreading, clean rivers and the proposed new national park 🔹 Welsh Labour’s future — can the party rebuild after its election defeat? 🔹 Labour and Plaid Cymru — could a more formal political agreement take shape? 🔹 Brexit and the EU — could a closer relationship with Europe benefit Wales? 🔹 Andy Burnham’s leadership — Drakeford’s assessment of the UK political landscape
With the next Welsh local elections approaching and crucial budget decisions ahead, we examine the challenges facing Plaid Cymru, Welsh Labour and the future of Welsh devolution.
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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.
More from Senedd Sources
This week on the Senedd Sources podcast, Ollie Cole and Jo Kiernan return from party conferences to discuss:
Is Plaid Cymru’s voter coalition on shaky ground when it comes to Welsh independence? In this episode of Senedd Sources, host Ollie Cole and former First Minister advisor Jo Kiernan are joined by Louis O’Geran from polling firm More In Common to break down exclusive new polling data on Welsh politics post-conference season. We analyse: 🗳️ Plaid Cymru’s Honeymoon Phase: Why key policies like £1 bus fares and NHS surgical hubs aren't cutting through with voters. 🏴 The Independence Divide: Exclusive polling reveals Plaid Cymru voters are split 47% to 44% on Welsh independence. 🌹 The "Burnham Bounce": How Westminster Prime Minister Andy Burnham is winning back Labour defectors in Wales. 🏛️ Budget Battles in Cardiff Bay: Can Plaid secure a budget deal with Labour or the Conservatives? 🟢 Green Party Civil War: The fallout from the England & Wales Green Party conference over foreign policy and nuclear energy. 💬 JOIN THE CONVERSATION: Have your say on WhatsApp! Send your comments/questions to 0333 404 6507 (start your message with Senedd) or email us at [email protected]. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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