Show Notes
Nigel Farage has resigned as an MP, triggering a by-election he says he'll contest. Fliss and James are joined by Political Editor Gareth Lewis to unpack the dramatic move, how it came about and the reaction from Reform UK in Wales. They also discuss plans for a new economic development agency, which the Welsh Government hopes will help boost productivity and drive economic growth. Former minister Andrew Davies explains why he scrapped the previous Welsh Development Agency in 2006 and what lessons can be learned from its demise. Plus, how should governments tackle complex policy challenges? Andy Regan, Head of Nesta Cymru, joins the podcast to discuss what works best when it comes to delivering ambitious reforms, including in areas such as childcare.
More from Walescast
Wales' Finance Minister has announced that the Welsh Government wants to delay a revaluation of homes for council tax purposes until 2032. Fliss and James are joined by David Phillips from the Institute for Fiscal Studies to digest the details and what it could mean for you. They also speak to Reform UK's Cai Parry-Jones, the Welsh Local Government Association's Cllr Lis Burnett, and BBC Wales Political Editor Gareth Lewis to discuss the decision. Plus, on the 60th anniversary of the Aberfan disaster, they reflect on its lasting legacy with the historian and commentator Professor Sir Deian Hopkin.
Fliss and James are joined by guests to unpack the Welsh Government's agreement with Labour on its mini-budget. Politicians from the Welsh Conservatives, Welsh Labour and Reform UK Wales discuss the details, while BBC Wales Political Editor Gareth Lewis reflects on his interview with the Finance Minister and what the deal means for the Welsh Government. Walescast is back on TV for five weeks. Watch on Wednesdays on BBC One Wales and BBC iPlayer.
Plaid Cymru has unveiled plans to address two of Wales' most notorious transport bottlenecks - the M4 in the South and the Menai Strait crossing in the North. Nick Servini is joined by our Business and Political Correspondents to assess the proposed plans, explore the challenges involved and ask whether the Welsh Government can find a solution. We also wrap up our conference season coverage with Political Reporter Ewan Murrie, who rounds up the key moments from the Conservative and Green Party conferences.
The First Minister took to the stage in Llandudno to deliver his first conference speech since winning the Senedd election. Before an expectant audience, he celebrated Plaid Cymru's historic victory but also acknowledged the challenges ahead, including difficult budget decisions and his ambition to go further and faster on devolution in Wales. Elliw Gwawr presented today's episode and was joined by two political editors: the BBC's Gareth Lewis and WalesOnline's Ruth Mosalski.
Andy Burnham has set out his vision for transforming Britain, including a pledge to end the state pension triple lock from 2030 to help fund a new National Care Service in England. But what does it all mean for Wales? Fliss is joined by BBC Wales Political Editor Gareth Lewis, Business Correspondent Huw Thomas and David Phillips from the Institute for Fiscal Studies to unpack the announcements and examine where Wales fits into Burnham's plans.