Show Notes
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 seats
Plus: - 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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
More from Senedd Sources
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?
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.
On this special episode of the Sources Podcasts, we're taking you to Liverpool for 24 hours at Labour Party Conference 2026. Hear the secrets of Political Christmas with Politico's Megan McElroy, More In Common's Louis O'Geran, Labour MP Jonathan Hinder, Defence Secretary Wes Streeting, former Andy Burnham advisor Kevin McKeever and more.
In this episode of the Senedd Sources podcast, Ollie and Jo analyse the latest Welsh political conferences, budget negotiations, and the challenges facing Welsh Labour and Plaid Cymru as they navigate their new roles and upcoming elections.