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Will Hayward - Wales Journo @willhaycardiff.bsky.social · 9h

The Plaid Cymru Welsh Government have agreed a deal with Welsh Labour to get their budget through. They are allocating an additional £60m to additional learning needs provision.

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Will Hayward - Wales Journo @willhaycardiff.bsky.social · 11/10/2026

Are Plaid Cymru focussing too much on independence? What does Rhun ap Iorwerth actually expects from negotiations with Burnham? When will Wales’ longest waiting lists be gone? All included in my interview with Wales' First Minister: willhaywardwales.substack.com/p/the-rhun-a...

willhaywardwales.substack.com

The Rhun ap Iorwerth interview

What does success look like?

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Will Hayward - Wales Journo @willhaycardiff.bsky.social · 08/10/2026

It's worth noting that the Welsh Tories have said they are open to taking Reform MSs but wouldn't take former Conservative MSs who previously defected like James Evans or Laura Anne Jones.

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Will Hayward - Wales Journo @willhaycardiff.bsky.social · 08/10/2026

The rumours seem to have stemmed an altercation on the Senedd estate which involved several Reform MSs shouting at each other. I approached Reform for comment and, at present, they haven't responded.

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Will Hayward - Wales Journo @willhaycardiff.bsky.social · 08/10/2026

There have been rumours in Cardiff Bay over the last few days about an impending defection of an MS from the Reform group to the Conservatives. I have been trying to stand this up but there is nothing concrete. The Welsh Conservatives have denied any conversations have even taken place. 1/2

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Michael Munnik @michaelmunnik.bsky.social · 07/10/2026

For pity's... Also, good to note early attribution for the Guardian story, which first appeared in @willhaycardiff.bsky.social's newsletter. It's a subscription site on Substack. Will is solid on Welsh politics. willhaywardwales.substack.com/p/reform-mp-...

willhaywardwales.substack.com

Reform UK MP buys £800k Welsh second home just days after questioning their impact

Is this a case of politicians saying ‘do as I say, not as I do’?

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Will Hayward - Wales Journo @willhaycardiff.bsky.social · 06/10/2026

The leader of the Green Party in Wales says he would not have voted for the “Zionism is racism” motion. Full statement here:

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Will Hayward - Wales Journo @willhaycardiff.bsky.social · 06/10/2026

The Welsh Government has made a major announcement on the M4 congestion around Newport and a new bridge across the Menai Strait.

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Will Hayward - Wales Journo @willhaycardiff.bsky.social · 05/10/2026

Last weekend I was at Plaid Cymru's conference. I have interviewed the First Minister, members of cabinet, policy buffs, frontline workers, pollsters and grassroots members to try and shed light on where the new Welsh Gov is at, and where it is going. willhaywardwales.substack.com/p/inside-the...

willhaywardwales.substack.com

Inside the Plaid Cymru conference

Progress or excuses?

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Will Hayward - Wales Journo @willhaycardiff.bsky.social · 03/10/2026

Pro-Palestine protest outside Plaid Cymru's conference in Llandudno. People carrying wrapped up "bodies" and the sign "Welfare not warfare".

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Will Hayward - Wales Journo @willhaycardiff.bsky.social · 02/10/2026

EXCLUSIVE Reform MP Sarah Pochin asked a question about the impact second homes have on rural areas, just 48 hours before buying a £800k second home in Wales… willhaywardwales.substack.com/p/reform-mp-...

willhaywardwales.substack.com

Reform UK MP buys £800k Welsh second home just days after questioning their impact

Is this a case of politicians saying ‘do as I say, not as I do’?

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Will Hayward - Wales Journo @willhaycardiff.bsky.social · 02/10/2026

Plaid Cymru leader Rhun ap Iorwerth takes to the stage for his first conference speech as Wales’ First Minister.

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Will Hayward - Wales Journo @willhaycardiff.bsky.social · 02/10/2026

Plaid Cymru leader Rhun ap Iorwerth takes to the stage for his first conference speech as Wales’ First Minister.

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Will Hayward - Wales Journo @willhaycardiff.bsky.social · 30/09/2026

I just spent two days at the Labour conference in Liverpool. The difference between Welsh and UK Labour was stark. There is a huge opportunity for Wales, but there is a risk it passes us by. My write up here: willhaywardwales.substack.com/p/inside-the...

willhaywardwales.substack.com

Welsh Labour risk missing a golden opportunity

Inside the Labour conference

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Will Hayward - Wales Journo @willhaycardiff.bsky.social · 25/09/2026

Reform’s new deputy leader in Wales says that the are “the most united opposition” that Welsh politics “has ever seen”. - Last week one of their MSs defected to Plaid. - Their new leader was elected in a 17-15 vote. - Reform MSs are already briefing against the new leader.

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Will Hayward - Wales Journo @willhaycardiff.bsky.social · 22/09/2026

The First Minister called her "a bold politician" adding: "Anybody who says she came into politics because she was impressed by the principles of Nigel Farage certainly has to be seen as bold". 3/3

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Will Hayward - Wales Journo @willhaycardiff.bsky.social · 22/09/2026

Helen Jenner took over after the previous leader resigned following being arrested and bailed on suspicion of assault and coercive or controlling behaviour. He denies all wrongdoing. 2/3

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Will Hayward - Wales Journo @willhaycardiff.bsky.social · 22/09/2026

Reform's new leader in Wales has used her first question as leader to call Rhun ap Iorwerth "arrogant" and ask "how on earth can women and girls expect you to have their best interests and safety at heart"? 1/3

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Will Hayward - Wales Journo @willhaycardiff.bsky.social · 21/09/2026

Multiple sources close to the Reform group have told me that there is a fear "we will be back here in 6 months" with another leadership race... Last week Reform MS James Evans said he had support of the "majority" of the group to be leader but didn't want the role. This is not a happy ship.

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Will Hayward - Wales Journo @willhaycardiff.bsky.social · 21/09/2026

Reform has a new leader in Wales, but it was far from a unanimous choice. I understand that there was a vote for either Helen Jenner or Jason O'Connell among Reform Senedd Members. In the end Ms Jenner won with 17 votes to Mr O'Connell's 15.

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Will Hayward - Wales Journo @willhaycardiff.bsky.social · 20/09/2026

Nigel Farage's favourability rating in Wales has plummeted according to the latest polls. Andy Burnham and Rhun ap Iorwerth are the only leaders have more people who think they are "doing well" compared to "doing badly". Full breakdown: willhaywardwales.substack.com/p/grim-polli...

willhaywardwales.substack.com

Grim polling for Farage

Plus should Plaid get into bed with the SNP and Sinn Féin?

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Will Hayward - Wales Journo @willhaycardiff.bsky.social · 19/09/2026

I understand Nigel Farage will be in south Wales early next week. To announce the new Reform leader in the Senedd perhaps…?

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Will Hayward - Wales Journo @willhaycardiff.bsky.social · 16/09/2026

A Reform Member of the Welsh Parliament has spoken in defence of colonialism. Joe Martin is the MS for Caerdydd Penarth. It was just a day after Reform's leader in Wales Dan Thomas resigned after being arrested and bailed on suspicion of assault and coercive or controlling behaviour.

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Will Hayward - Wales Journo @willhaycardiff.bsky.social · 15/09/2026

The leader of Reform UK in Wales has stepped down as leader following being arrested on suspicion of assault and engaging and controlling/coercive behaviour. He denies any wrongdoing. This is a developing story. Subscribe to the newsletter for full details.

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Will Hayward - Wales Journo @willhaycardiff.bsky.social · 15/09/2026

So it seems that Reform's leader in Wales Dan Thomas will not be attending First Minister's Questions after the summer recess. Mr Thomas is leader of the opposition and this is the first FMQs since the summer recess.

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Will Hayward - Wales Journo @willhaycardiff.bsky.social · 15/09/2026

Do people in Wales actually want independence? Yesterday the First Minister's of Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland signed an agreement and demanded changes to how the UK is set up. Let's breakdown the latest polling to try and understand the issue of Welsh independence and who wants it.

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Will Hayward - Wales Journo @willhaycardiff.bsky.social · 14/09/2026

At the Welsh Gov offices in Cardiff for the press conference of First Ministers of Wales and Scotland Rhun ap Iorwerth and John Swinney. Full breakdown in newsletter

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Will Hayward - Wales Journo @willhaycardiff.bsky.social · 13/09/2026

My latest newsletter: - Explore what happens to Reform in Wales if Farage is no longer leader… - A decision facing the Welsh Gov about a major infrastructure project. - A new Welsh independence poll that should be a real concern for unionists. willhaywardwales.substack.com/p/what-happe...

willhaywardwales.substack.com

What happens to Reform in Wales if Farage goes?

Plus the Welsh Gov has a decision to make and there is new polling on Welsh independence

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Will Hayward - Wales Journo @willhaycardiff.bsky.social · 04/09/2026

Odds on this being "for the people of Clacton to decide"?

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Will Hayward - Wales Journo @willhaycardiff.bsky.social · 04/09/2026

This would never have happened under Count Binface.

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Will Hayward - Wales Journo @willhaycardiff.bsky.social · 01/09/2026

A friend and I have launched a new media company for Wales providing local news. Fully details here: willhaywardwales.substack.com/p/what-comes...

willhaywardwales.substack.com

What comes next…

Our plans for the future

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Tony Fflewdwr Jenssen #Annibyniaeth 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿 @tfjenssen.bsky.social · 08/08/2026

Rhaid i bawb ddarllen y llyfr hwn i ddeall problemau niferus Cymru. Mae'n fy atgoffa o lyfrau tebyg a gyhoeddwyd yng Nghatalwnia i wneud pobl yn ymwybodol bod newid yn frys a bod cyfrifoldeb y Cymry a'r Catalaniaid i'w wneud! ‘What About Wales’ gan @willhaycardiff.bsky.social @ylolfa.bsky.social

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Will Hayward - Wales Journo @willhaycardiff.bsky.social · 23/07/2026

Imagine being on the side of cancer

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Will Hayward - Wales Journo @willhaycardiff.bsky.social · 21/07/2026

Wales has a new Secretary of State. But should that job even exist?

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Will Hayward - Wales Journo @willhaycardiff.bsky.social · 21/07/2026

First Minister Rhun ap Iorwerth has had his first call with new Prime Minister Andy Burnham:

“I was pleased to congratulate the new Prime Minister on a call this morning and to set out my hope that we can build a positive and productive relationship.

“I urged him to turn his commitment to devolution into action by giving Wales the powers we need to improve outcomes for all our communities on policing, justice, the Crown Estates, rail and on funding. I also conveyed my eagerness to work with him to tackle the cost of living crisis.

“I look forward to a meeting very soon so I can begin our discussions in earnest on behalf of the people of Wales.”

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Will Hayward - Wales Journo @willhaycardiff.bsky.social · 20/07/2026

New Sec of State for Wales. Stephen Kinnock has been appointed to replace Jo Stevens.

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Will Hayward - Wales Journo @willhaycardiff.bsky.social · 20/07/2026

2.5 months after being elected, Reform Senedd Member James Evans announces he will not be standing again in 3 years and 9 months time... "As things stand today"

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Bleddyn Bowen @bleddb.bsky.social · 17/07/2026

Spot on from @willhaycardiff.bsky.social in ‘Who Cares About Wales?’ I’d say you can extend the argument UK-wide. So many people in Government, HE, and wider society have lost sight of what Universities are and should be in a political-economy.

There is no way you can have a prosperous Wales without prosperous universities. More than ever, a highly educated workforce is vital and it is universities which play the biggest part in providing this.
But if we view universities merely as places for people to gain qualifications for their career and life advancement, then we, much like successive governments, miss the true value these institutions should offer.
They are economic engines in their own right, and they should be centres for creative and open debate and places that can address societal challenges, drawing in talent from around the world and building international connections. In a world where Wales is very small, they are one of the greatest forms of soft power. They should also drive positive change in the communities where they are based. Added to this, the benefit of learning for learning's sake - for the pure curiosity of it - is a fundamental part of being human.
In a Welsh context, our unis are also vital for nation-building. A nation is that idea of an imagined community brought together by shared narratives, culture and language. All of these things are incubated, protected and developed within our academic institutions - or at least should be.
In Wales, our universities are in crisis. Thousands of jobs are being cut across the sector. The conversations I have had with those still working there have been bleak,

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Daniel Wincott @danielwincott.bsky.social · 15/07/2026

@willhaycardiff.bsky.social reflecting on what Wales need to make devolution work properly. And drawing lessons for the (quite different) regional/city region ‘devolution deals’ on which Burnham is hanging the UK Labour govt’s hopes. Essential reading! www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...

theguardian.com

In Wales, I've seen what happens when devolution isn't done right. Here's what Andy Burnham must know | Will Hayward

In my country, devolution has been the equivalent of giving someone a new electric car without the capacity to charge it. That can’t be the model for the whole UK, says Guardian columnist Will Hayward

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Will Hayward - Wales Journo @willhaycardiff.bsky.social · 15/07/2026

My latest Guardian piece. "We need to learn the lessons from the devolution that has gone before. To do anything less would be to squander one of those rare occasions when our arcane and tradition-filled political system seems open to change" www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...

theguardian.com

In Wales, I've seen what happens when devolution isn't done right. Here's what Andy Burnham must know | Will Hayward

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