“`html
The upcoming 2026 Welsh Senedd election is poised to be a landmark event, marked by an expanded 96-seat Parliament, the creation of 16 new constituencies each electing six members, the implementation of proportional representation, and the potential for significant shifts in the political landscape.
Recent polling data suggests that Labour’s 27-year period of dominance faces a credible challenge from both Plaid Cymru and Reform.
To inaugurate the new year, representatives from five parties engaged in a dedicated debate on BBC Radio Wales’ Sunday Supplement. Participants included Huw Irranca Davies representing Labour, James Evans from the Conservatives, Mabon ap Gwynfor of Plaid Cymru, Rodney Berman of the Liberal Democrats, and Anthony Slaughter from the Green Party. Reform declined the invitation to participate.
Key takeaways from the discussion include:
Evans, the Conservative representative, stood alone in describing the Welsh NHS as “broken,” and further suggested that the Conservatives would explore reducing the number of health boards currently administering the service from seven.
Irranca Davies outlined Labour’s strategy of prioritizing primary care, including pharmacies and bolstering frontline staff. He affirmed Labour’s “absolute commitment” to achieving its target of reducing the current record waiting lists by 200,000 by the time of the election.
Ap Gwynfor committed Plaid Cymru to recruiting more GPs, while acknowledging that any changes would need to be implemented within the “current envelope” of available funding. Slaughter advocated for increased utilization of community nurses.
Berman stated that the Liberal Democrats would introduce a “social care rescue package,” but did not specify the precise funding source.
While immigration policy is primarily governed by Westminster, the debate underscored that Welsh politicians have strong opinions on the issue.
Ap Gwynfor asserted that the NHS and social care are “entirely dependent” on the contributions of immigrants, while Irranca Davies advocated for “controlled, managed migration” to ensure border security and support the economy.
Slaughter predicted that immigration would be a central issue in the campaign, accusing other parties of “dancing to the tune” of Reform’s proposed stricter immigration laws.
Evans cautioned that Reform’s proposals would “decimate” some public services, but also criticized parties that downplay immigration as “living in cloud cuckoo land,” arguing that resources spent on “illegal immigrants” divert funds from essential public services in Wales.
Labour First Minister Eluned Morgan sparked controversy prior to Christmas by stating her focus on “measurable targets” such as pothole repair, when questioned about why education was not among her top four priorities.
Slaughter characterized this as a “shocking admission,” while Irranca Davies maintained that the stated priorities did not detract from the “relentless focus” on improving education standards.
Evans proposed allocating funding directly to schools, bypassing local councils accused of “top-slicing” the funds.
Ap Gwynfor and Berman defended their respective parties’ decisions not to push for increased education funding in recent budget agreements with the Welsh government.
While there was a consensus on the importance of education, the debate lacked a clear, standout strategy for achieving meaningful improvement.
Despite declining an invitation to participate, Reform’s presence loomed large over the BBC Wales program.
The party’s absence drew criticism from other participants, even as its influence on topics such as immigration was acknowledged.
Polling data indicates that Reform could potentially emerge as the largest or second-largest party in the Senedd.
It remains to be seen whether Sunday’s absence represents an isolated incident or a deliberate strategy for the upcoming election campaign.
The party’s success on social media platforms allows it to control its narrative, free from journalistic scrutiny or opposition challenges.
In many ways, the 2026 election cycle begins where 2025 concluded.
Labour and the Conservatives face significant challenges, although Irranca Davies dismissed the notion that Labour’s time was over, and Evans asserted that the polls were “narrowing.”
Ap Gwynfor conveyed a sense of public desire for change, but emphasized that he was “taking nothing for granted.”
Reform in Wales remains an enigma.
The Green Party is optimistic about securing a “small handful” of Members of the Senedd (MSs). However, by emphasizing his support for independence, Slaughter risks alienating potential supporters who may opt for Plaid Cymru if they believe Plaid’s claim that the election is a two-horse race between themselves and Reform.
The Liberal Democrats are even more ambitious, with Berman suggesting a potential gain of between five and ten seats.
Both smaller parties could potentially exert considerable influence in post-election coalition negotiations.
The former rugby star is going from one adrenaline-filled work environment to another in the NHS.
Teaching assistants say they now change nappies and handle medication, but wages haven’t kept up.
David Field’s wife says she was first told to drive him to hospital after he developed chest pains.
Staff shortages mean Welsh-language schools are having to use teachers who only speak English.
But it’s not yet known how much rates will climb or whether a different strain of flu will emerge.
“`