Wales In Context: Politics & Public Affairs

In this episode of Wales in Context, Kaiesha Page speaks to Welsh Labour candidate Chris Carter about the future of Welsh politics, the pressures facing a generation shaped by the 2008 financial crash, and why housing, economic growth and community are becoming defining political issues in modern Wales.Chris discusses his journey from local Labour activist to Senedd candidate, his background in polling and the Army Reserve, and why he believes younger politicians are approaching politics differently from previous generations. The conversation explores polling misconceptions, the rise of multi-party politics in Wales, Welsh Labour’s record after 27 years in power, and growing public frustration with political systems that many feel no longer work for them.The episode also examines belonging, political identity, and why community still matters deeply in Wales — from party activism to neighbourhood connections and national identity.For weekly updates sent directly to your email, make sure you join our stubstack. Resources and LinksYou can learn more about the Electoral Reform Society Wales on their website.Follow and Support the PodcastOur TikTok.Our Linkedin Page.Our Instagram.About Wales in ContextWales in Context is a podcast exploring the politics, policy, and public affairs shaping modern Wales.Each episode breaks down complex issues, provides context behind the headlines, and speaks with people working at the heart of Welsh public life.Hosted by Kay Page, freelance political journalist and researcher. You can learn more about Kay Page via her website, substack, or connect with her on linkedin.Key topics

Calum Higgins joins Wales in Context to discuss Labour’s vision for Wales ahead of the next election.We explore the party’s approach to strengthening public services, investing in communities, improving rural transport, and tackling NHS pressures, alongside the long-term impact of austerity on Welsh life.The conversation also looks at Wales’ new voting system, what it means for Labour’s electoral strategy, and how the party hopes to rebuild trust and deliver for communities across Cymru.For weekly updates sent directly to your email, make sure you join our stubstack. Resources and LinksYou can learn more about the Electoral Reform Society Wales on their website.Follow and Support the PodcastOur TikTok.Our Linkedin Page.Our Instagram.About Wales in ContextWales in Context is a podcast exploring the politics, policy, and public affairs shaping modern Wales.Each episode breaks down complex issues, provides context behind the headlines, and speaks with people working at the heart of Welsh public life.Hosted by Kay Page, freelance political journalist and researcher. You can learn more about Kay Page via her website, substack, or connect with her on linkedin.

In this insightful interview, Luke Fletcher discusses his journey from community activism to the Senedd, highlighting key policies like educational maintenance allowance, the importance of collaboration across political divides, and the future of Welsh politics. He shares personal stories, policy priorities, and perspectives on history, youth engagement, and the potential for Welsh independence.For weekly updates sent directly to your email, make sure you join our stubstack. Resources and LinksYou can learn more about the Electoral Reform Society Wales on their website.Follow and Support the PodcastOur TikTok.Our Linkedin Page.Our Instagram.About Wales in ContextWales in Context is a podcast exploring the politics, policy, and public affairs shaping modern Wales.Each episode breaks down complex issues, provides context behind the headlines, and speaks with people working at the heart of Welsh public life.Hosted by Kay Page, freelance political journalist and researcher. You can learn more about Kay Page via her website, substack, or connect with her on linkedin.

Welsh politics often talks about young people — but rarely hands them the microphone.Kiera Marshall represents a newer generation of Welsh political voices, shaped by lived experience of inequality, community, and the realities facing younger people across Wales.This week, we talk about whether Welsh politics is truly changing — and what needs to happen next.For weekly updates sent directly to your email, make sure you join our stubstack. Resources and LinksYou can learn more about the Electoral Reform Society Wales on their website.Follow and Support the PodcastOur TikTok.Our Linkedin Page.Our Instagram.About Wales in ContextWales in Context is a podcast exploring the politics, policy, and public affairs shaping modern Wales.Each episode breaks down complex issues, provides context behind the headlines, and speaks with people working at the heart of Welsh public life.Hosted by Kay Page, freelance political journalist and researcher. You can learn more about Kay Page via her website, substack, or connect with her on linkedin.

The 2026 Senedd election is the first under Wales’ new expanded parliamentary system: bigger constituencies, more Members, and proportional representation.One of those new seats is Afan Ogwr Rhondda — a politically fascinating merger of former Labour-heavy valley communities and industrial coastal towns.Plaid Cymru has put forward Sera Evans as its lead candidate. A councillor in Treorchy and a long-time community figure, Evans is now making the case that this new political map needs new political leadership.For weekly updates sent directly to your email, make sure you join our stubstack. Resources and LinksYou can learn more about the Electoral Reform Society Wales on their website.Follow and Support the PodcastOur TikTok.Our Linkedin Page.Our Instagram.About Wales in ContextWales in Context is a podcast exploring the politics, policy, and public affairs shaping modern Wales.Each episode breaks down complex issues, provides context behind the headlines, and speaks with people working at the heart of Welsh public life.Hosted by Kay Page, freelance political journalist and researcher. You can learn more about Kay Page via her website, substack, or connect with her on linkedin.

Quick update on upcoming content.For weekly updates sent directly to your email, make sure you join our stubstack. Resources and LinksYou can learn more about the Electoral Reform Society Wales on their website.Follow and Support the PodcastOur TikTok.Our Linkedin Page.Our Instagram.About Wales in ContextWales in Context is a podcast exploring the politics, policy, and public affairs shaping modern Wales.Each episode breaks down complex issues, provides context behind the headlines, and speaks with people working at the heart of Welsh public life.Hosted by Kay Page, freelance political journalist and researcher. You can learn more about Kay Page via her website, substack, or connect with her on linkedin.

This episode explores the complex housing crisis in Wales, its causes, impacts, and potential solutions, featuring insights from sector experts and advocates. This episode explores the complex housing challenges in Wales, including rising rents, social housing shortages, the impact of second homes, and recent legislative reforms. Experts discuss long-term strategies, systemic reforms, and the importance of viewing housing as a human right to create sustainable, affordable communities.A huge thanks to all the organisations who took part:Shelter CymruCrisisTai PawbCommunity Housing CymruThe Bevan FoundationCymorth CymruGrab a copy of Will Hayward’s book, Who Care About Wales.Key topicsHousing supply and demand imbalanceImpact of policy decisions like right to buyHomelessness and its human tollRole of social and private housing sectorsPolicy solutions and future strategies Housing supply and demand in WalesLegislative reforms and policy changesThe role of social housing and public perceptionResources and LinksFor weekly updates sent directly to your email, make sure you join our stubstack. You can learn more about the Electoral Reform Society Wales on their website.Follow and Support the PodcastOur TikTok.Our Linkedin Page.Our Instagram.About Wales in ContextWales in Context is a podcast exploring the politics, policy, and public affairs shaping modern Wales.Each episode breaks down complex issues, provides context behind the headlines, and speaks with people working at the heart of Welsh public life.Hosted by Kay Page, freelance political journalist and researcher. You can learn more about Kay Page via her website, substack, or connect with her on linkedin.

In this episode, host Kaiesha Page speaks with Jess Blair from the Electoral Reform Society Wales about the major electoral reforms set to reshape Welsh democracy.The conversation explores the introduction of the new voting system for the Senedd, what it means for representation in Wales, and how these changes could influence the way people engage with politics. Jess also discusses the challenge of improving political literacy, particularly among younger voters, and why understanding how the system works is essential for a healthy democracy.A timely discussion on voting, representation, and the future of democratic participation in Wales.For weekly updates sent directly to your email, make sure you join our stubstack. You can also find out more information on our website.Resources and LinksYou can learn more about the Electoral Reform Society Wales on their website.Follow and Support the PodcastOur TikTok.Our Linkedin Page.Our Instagram.About Wales in ContextWales in Context is a podcast exploring the politics, policy, and public affairs shaping modern Wales.Each episode breaks down complex issues, provides context behind the headlines, and speaks with people working at the heart of Welsh public life.Hosted by Kay Page, freelance political journalist and researcher. You can learn more about Kay Page via her website, substack, or connect with her on linkedin.

In this episode, host Kaiesha Page sits down with Samuel Kurtz MS, one of the Welsh Conservatives’ rising voices in the Senedd. They discuss Kurtz’s background, his path into politics, and the issues shaping the future of rural Wales.The conversation explores the realities facing Welsh agriculture, debates around energy and net zero, and the ongoing discussion about electoral reform in Wales. Kurtz also reflects on the pressures facing farmers, the role of government policy, and what he believes the next phase of Welsh politics could look like.For weekly updates sent directly to your email, make sure you join our stubstack. You can also find out more information on our website.Resources and LinksYou can learn more about Sam Kurtz MS and his work on this website.Follow and Support the PodcastOur TikTok.Our Linkedin Page.Our Instagram.About Wales in ContextWales in Context is a podcast exploring the politics, policy, and public affairs shaping modern Wales.Each episode breaks down complex issues, provides context behind the headlines, and speaks with people working at the heart of Welsh public life.Hosted by Kay Page, freelance political journalist and researcher. You can learn more about Kay Page via her website, substack, or connect with her on linkedin.

This episode explores the impact of policy decisions on families in Wales, focusing on welfare, deindustrialisation, and social narratives. Through personal stories and data, it highlights the structural challenges faced by communities and the importance of viewing welfare as a lifeline, not dependency.Episode StructureWelfare system and its real-life impactDeindustrialisation and economic decline in WalesSocial narratives and stigma around povertyFor weekly updates sent directly to your email, make sure you join our stubstack. You can also find out more information on our website.Follow and Support the PodcastOur TikTok.Our Linkedin Page.Our Instagram.About Wales in ContextWales in Context is a podcast exploring the politics, policy, and public affairs shaping modern Wales.Each episode breaks down complex issues, provides context behind the headlines, and speaks with people working at the heart of Welsh public life.Hosted by Kay Page, freelance political journalist and researcher. You can learn more about Kay Page via her website, substack, or connect with her on linkedin.

The podcast 'Wales in Context' aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of Welsh politics and the impact of decisions on communities. It explores policies, decisions, and debates affecting communities across Wales, placing them in the wider context of Welsh democracy, public policy, and global change. The podcast delves into the challenges and opportunities facing Wales today, aiming to connect the dots and shape the future.Trailer episode for Wales In Context.Follow and Support the PodcastOur TikTok.Our Linkedin Page.Our Instagram.About Wales in ContextWales in Context is a podcast exploring the politics, policy, and public affairs shaping modern Wales.Each episode breaks down complex issues, provides context behind the headlines, and speaks with people working at the heart of Welsh public life.Hosted by Kay Page, freelance political journalist and researcher. You can learn more about Kay Page via her website, substack, or connect with her on linkedin.