Show Notes
Is Keir Starmer a good Prime Minister? It should be an easy question for Labour politicians — but in Wales, it’s turning into a political headache.
In this episode of Senedd Sources, Ollie Cole, former Welsh Government adviser Jo Kiernan and political communications expert Craig Lawton unpack:
Why Welsh Labour figures are struggling to publicly back Keir Starmer Growing tension between Welsh Labour and UK Labour over devolution, policing, and funding What this means ahead of the 2026 Senedd election The Welsh Liberal Democrats’ path to relevance — can they become kingmakers? How Lib Dem candidate Sam Bennett says they’ll win despite tough polling Voter frustration on the doorstep — care, childcare, and collapsing trust in politics The rise of the Greens and competition on the pro-independence side Conservative and Reform UK drama — defections, uncertainty, and party identity in Wales
This is insider analysis on how party divisions, leadership doubts, and shifting voter loyalties could reshape the Welsh Parliament (Senedd).
📩 Got a question for the panel? WhatsApp: 0333 404 6507 (start with “Senedd”) Email: [email protected] 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.