Walescast

BBC Radio Wales

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UPDATED WEEKLY

A look at the latest in Welsh politics and current affairs. Felicity Evans and James Williams discuss the big issues with exclusive interviews and in-depth analysis.

3 DAYS AGO

Wales’ £14bn Railway Promise

The Prime Minister travelled to Taff’s Well to throw his weight behind Transport for Wales’ £14 billion proposals to “transform” the nation’s railways. But what would this actually mean for passengers and communities in Wales? James and Fliss unpack the announcement with our Political Correspondent Cemlyn Davies, following his interview with the Prime Minister and First Minister. They’re also joined by transport expert Professor Mark Barry, who breaks down the practical implications of the proposals — and what the politics behind them might reveal.

37 min
13 FEB

Inside the Welsh Conservatives: The Conference

Walescast heads to Llandudno's Venue Cymru for the Welsh Conservative's 2026 conference. James speaks to their Leader in the Senedd Darren Millar as well as catching up with some other politicians and members to see what the vibe is ahead of the Senedd election in May. We also catch up with our Political Editor Gareth Lewis and hear about his interview with the Conservative Leader Kemi Badenoch. This episode makes up one of the many trips Walescast will make to the main parties events/ rallies and conferences over the Senedd election period.

38 min
10 FEB

Mandelson Scandal: First Minister Stands by Starmer

Wales' First Minister has given her backing to the Prime Minister following the Peter Mandelson scandal and the former US ambassador's departure from the Labour Party. Following criticism around Eluned Morgan's delayed statement from opposition parties, she says she has full confidence in his leadership. Former Special Advisor to the Welsh Government Cathy Owens and Political Editor Gareth Lewis join the podcast to discuss whether what is happening in Westminster will impact Wales.

31 min
10 FEB

''Next Welsh Government Must do More to Drive Down Poverty''

James and Fliss are joined by Chris Birt from the Joseph Rowntree Foundation to discuss poverty in Wales and what the charity believes the next Welsh Government need to do to tackle it.

30 min
5 FEB

Inside Reform: The Rally

Walescast heads to Newport’s International Conference Centre for Reform’s 2026 election rally, where Nigel Farage unveiled Dan Thomas as the party’s new leader in Wales. The event also brought confirmation that James Evans has defected to Reform, following his departure from the Welsh Conservatives. Fliss and James speak to both men at the rally, exploring their priorities for Wales and the reaction among party members as Reform sets out its stall ahead of the Senedd election. This episode makes up one of the many trips Walescast will make to the main parties events/ rallies and conferences over the election period.

37 min
4 FEB

Wales Fire Services: One Year On from Damning Culture Reports

A year after damning reports into workplace culture at two Welsh fire services, their leaders say progress is being made — but acknowledge there is still more to do. Separate reports into North Wales Fire and Rescue Service and Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service highlighted concerns about bullying, and harassment. James catches up with Mid and West Wales Chief Fire Officer Craig Flannery, while Rob Thomas speaks to North Wales Chief Fire Officer Dawn Docx about what has changed — and what challenges remain.

22 min
29 JAN

Policing Reforms and Party Splits

UK Labour proposals for a major overhaul of policing have highlighted the disagreements between the two governments in Wales and Westminster over devolved powers. Fliss and James are joined by BBC Wales political editor Gareth Lewis to unfold the story. They also speak to Labour MS Mick Antoniw and Criminal Barrister Andrew Taylor about the state of policing and the criminal justice system in Wales and how it's run.

45 min
22 JAN

MS thrown out of party for 'talking to Reform' and WRU before MPs

James and Fliss on the sacking of MS James Evans and the WRU before MPs at Westminster.

42 min

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A look at the latest in Welsh politics and current affairs. Felicity Evans and James Williams discuss the big issues with exclusive interviews and in-depth analysis.