Delighted to be asked to offer some thoughts on the changes coming to the elections in Wales in just a couple of months. If you are keen to hear more you can catch up below π
How will the 2026 Senedd election change Welsh politics?
On 5 March, join @jessblair.bsky.social, @lauramcallister30.bsky.social and @paulsilk.bsky.social to discuss recent and possible future reforms to the Senedd.
Sign up for this free, online event π www.ucl.ac.uk/social-histo....
Be part of Walesβ changing democracy β join us at the Senedd for expert insights on the changes ahead, and learn how to prepare your organisation for post-election engagement.
Book here π https://ow.ly/yK7N50XgONb
Jess Blair Joe Rossiter Maria Drave
Fascinating keynote from @mickantoniw.bsky.social at the @iwa-wales.bsky.social AGM today on the breakdown of trust in democracy and the need for radical constitutional reform.
Not a surprise to hear AVR likely not going to be in place for 2026 but itβs a problem of the Welsh Governmentβs making to some extent. And itβs the 400,000 missing off the register who will bear the consequences of this.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
π₯ Support for Labour plummets in ITV Wales' poll - all the reaction from our panel @jessblair.bsky.social @adrianmasters84.bsky.social @jaclarner.bsky.social
π₯ We hear from @prifweinidog.gov.wales plus those looking to succeed her
π΄σ §σ ’σ ·σ ¬σ ³σ Ώ Elin Jones on why she's stepping down as Llywydd
πΊ 10:45pm
Pleased to have been appointed to the Welsh Governmentβs Innovating Democracy Advisory Group. Thereβs a huge amount of work to do to get democracy in Wales to work for everyone. Looking forward to getting started.
www.gov.wales/written-stat...
Wrote this for @nation.cymru on why the next Senedd could be the least representative ever. I really hope thatβs not the case but itβs up to the political parties to stop it from happening.
nation.cymru/opinion/why-...
Really interesting discussion @plaidcymru.bsky.social conference between @jessblair.bsky.social and @rhunapiorwerth.bsky.social discussing the impact the new electoral system will have for Welsh democracy and how it should lead to improved representation and diversity
Will be sorry to see you go, Mick. Itβs been great to work with you.
Under these plans voters could remove a badly behaving MS (good) but not get to decide on their replacement (very bad). In order for this to work & rebuild trust we need proper accountability, not a half measure.
Misbehaving Welsh politicians may face recall vote www.bbc.com/news/article...
A topical and important event coming up next week. π
Such a shame. But well done to you all for all the work youβve put in to create something in what has, at points, been a real vacuum of political analysis and debate. Definitely brought to light issues that may not have been covered previously in as much depth or with different perspectives.
Some end of 2024 listening now up at @hiraethpod.bsky.social!
Yes. More like a series of interviews edited into a story than a traditional podcast but Iβve really enjoyed. Perspectives I hadnβt considered before and some real honesty from the interviewees. Not sure theyβd have been so open in any other context.
What am I doing on my first day off of the festive season, you ask? Listening to the latest @waterslee.bsky.social podcast in the gym. Think this one might be the best yet. Some genuinely jaw dropping anecdotes π
open.spotify.com/episode/3JL0...
Turns out the General Election in July was not only the most disproportional election in British history, but also one of the most disproportional seen anywhere in the world. Thatβs quite the achievement π₯π¬
Iβm sure these were a thing until quite recently. Or am I just getting old?
Well this nearly gave me a heart attack when it went off. Stay safe everyone.
He says absolutely not π
Absolutely love Malaga(And hereβs an interaction π)!
Update on this: my check in didnβt work but my check out did so now I have an active journey on my account which has been going for many hours now. #goingwell
Feminist Scorecard Report
Launch event for the Feminist Scorecard report
This yearβs Feminist Scorecard has been released by WEN Wales & Oxfam. Spoiler alert; things arenβt good. π΄ ratings for both fair finance & caring responsibilities. No significant progress made in any of the 6 areas.
Iβm just getting the feeling that my station isnβt allowed in the cool kids club www.youtube.com/watch?v=f6li...
Thought Iβd give the new TfW Pay as You Go system a try after seeing itβs been rolled out. Tapped a suspicious looking machine on the platform but nothing showing on the app. Anyone know which stations are included? Ive belt & braced it and bought a ticket too π news.tfw.wales/news/pay-as-...
10000% this!! @storyvillebooks.bsky.social is an amazing independent shop in #Pontypridd and was at the heart of the wonderful @eisteddfod.cymru fringe this year.
Theyβve been hit hard and because theyβre a real shop, not a river-based wesbsite, they have stock thatβs been damaged. Donate/Buy! π΄σ §σ ’σ ·σ ¬σ ³σ Ώ
Iβm genuinely considering taking the idea of a human sized radiator bed on Dragonβs Den.
Thanks for flagging!
Prior to photographing my cat on a radiator I was in the Senedd arguing that voters should have a fuller say in who replaces a politician whoβs been kicked out for bad behaviour.
Max the cat warming himself on a radiator and looking very happy about it.
Oh to be a cat on a radiator on this freezing cold day.
