Will Hayward - Wales Journo
@willhaycardiff.bsky.social
Multi-award winning journalist and author based in Cardiff.
I conduct investigative journalism and help people better understand Wales/Cymru.
You sign up to my newsletter here: willhaywardwales.substack.com
Columnist at The Guardian.
I conduct investigative journalism and help people better understand Wales/Cymru.
You sign up to my newsletter here: willhaywardwales.substack.com
Columnist at The Guardian.
Reposted by Will Hayward - Wales Journo
Will Hayward remembers to mention our impossible voting system (few journos do). Reform of it should have been item 1 in the Labour manifesto.
My latest @theguardian.com column.
Labour are increasingly not been seen as the best way to stop Reform. In Caerphilly this led to people flocking to Plaid Cymru.
They risk making all the same mistakes again in the Gorton and Denton by-election.
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
Labour are increasingly not been seen as the best way to stop Reform. In Caerphilly this led to people flocking to Plaid Cymru.
They risk making all the same mistakes again in the Gorton and Denton by-election.
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
Labour made mistakes in its Caerphilly byelection defeat. It may be about to repeat them in Gorton and Denton | Will Hayward
In Wales, Plaid Cymru sailed through as the anti-Reform party, at Labour’s expense. Unless lessons are learned, the Greens could do the same, says Guardian columnist Will Hayward
www.theguardian.com
February 6, 2026 at 1:22 PM
Will Hayward remembers to mention our impossible voting system (few journos do). Reform of it should have been item 1 in the Labour manifesto.
My latest @theguardian.com column.
Labour are increasingly not been seen as the best way to stop Reform. In Caerphilly this led to people flocking to Plaid Cymru.
They risk making all the same mistakes again in the Gorton and Denton by-election.
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
Labour are increasingly not been seen as the best way to stop Reform. In Caerphilly this led to people flocking to Plaid Cymru.
They risk making all the same mistakes again in the Gorton and Denton by-election.
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
Labour made mistakes in its Caerphilly byelection defeat. It may be about to repeat them in Gorton and Denton | Will Hayward
In Wales, Plaid Cymru sailed through as the anti-Reform party, at Labour’s expense. Unless lessons are learned, the Greens could do the same, says Guardian columnist Will Hayward
www.theguardian.com
February 6, 2026 at 12:40 PM
My latest @theguardian.com column.
Labour are increasingly not been seen as the best way to stop Reform. In Caerphilly this led to people flocking to Plaid Cymru.
They risk making all the same mistakes again in the Gorton and Denton by-election.
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
Labour are increasingly not been seen as the best way to stop Reform. In Caerphilly this led to people flocking to Plaid Cymru.
They risk making all the same mistakes again in the Gorton and Denton by-election.
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
Reposted by Will Hayward - Wales Journo
Must read article from @willhaycardiff.bsky.social
Straight up fact, anyone consider voting for these policy-less, brainless, soulless charlatans of Reform, will be responsible for destroying the communities of Cymru.
Straight up fact, anyone consider voting for these policy-less, brainless, soulless charlatans of Reform, will be responsible for destroying the communities of Cymru.
February 5, 2026 at 9:25 PM
Must read article from @willhaycardiff.bsky.social
Straight up fact, anyone consider voting for these policy-less, brainless, soulless charlatans of Reform, will be responsible for destroying the communities of Cymru.
Straight up fact, anyone consider voting for these policy-less, brainless, soulless charlatans of Reform, will be responsible for destroying the communities of Cymru.
Reposted by Will Hayward - Wales Journo
Well worth reading.
February 5, 2026 at 10:10 PM
Well worth reading.
Here is former Tory James Evans (who has just joined Reform) saying he would never join Reform...
February 5, 2026 at 4:38 PM
Here is former Tory James Evans (who has just joined Reform) saying he would never join Reform...
Reform have announced a new Welsh leader.
You will be shocked to hear that it is a former Conservative...
You will be shocked to hear that it is a former Conservative...
February 5, 2026 at 11:12 AM
Reform have announced a new Welsh leader.
You will be shocked to hear that it is a former Conservative...
You will be shocked to hear that it is a former Conservative...
Former Conservative James Evans has now joined Reform.
In his speech in Newport, where he was announced, he attacked the media for pointing out his former criticism of Nigel Farage's party.
In his speech in Newport, where he was announced, he attacked the media for pointing out his former criticism of Nigel Farage's party.
February 5, 2026 at 11:05 AM
Former Conservative James Evans has now joined Reform.
In his speech in Newport, where he was announced, he attacked the media for pointing out his former criticism of Nigel Farage's party.
In his speech in Newport, where he was announced, he attacked the media for pointing out his former criticism of Nigel Farage's party.
Reposted by Will Hayward - Wales Journo
This was an interesting listen, though I don't think Eluned Morgan came across as well as she expected.
Personally, I found her answers rather evasive, and she totally lost me when she said austerity was over and then starting banging on about AI
Personally, I found her answers rather evasive, and she totally lost me when she said austerity was over and then starting banging on about AI
We had First Minister of Wales Eluned Morgan on the podcast.
We discuss the lack of concessions from Keir Starmer for Wales, Cymru's public services and what she would do if she won in May.
Be interested to hear your thoughts on her responses:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=zZmw...
We discuss the lack of concessions from Keir Starmer for Wales, Cymru's public services and what she would do if she won in May.
Be interested to hear your thoughts on her responses:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=zZmw...
The First Minister Eluned Morgan on the Pod! | For Wales See Wales
YouTube video by For Wales See Wales
www.youtube.com
February 3, 2026 at 10:37 AM
This was an interesting listen, though I don't think Eluned Morgan came across as well as she expected.
Personally, I found her answers rather evasive, and she totally lost me when she said austerity was over and then starting banging on about AI
Personally, I found her answers rather evasive, and she totally lost me when she said austerity was over and then starting banging on about AI
We had First Minister of Wales Eluned Morgan on the podcast.
We discuss the lack of concessions from Keir Starmer for Wales, Cymru's public services and what she would do if she won in May.
Be interested to hear your thoughts on her responses:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=zZmw...
We discuss the lack of concessions from Keir Starmer for Wales, Cymru's public services and what she would do if she won in May.
Be interested to hear your thoughts on her responses:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=zZmw...
The First Minister Eluned Morgan on the Pod! | For Wales See Wales
YouTube video by For Wales See Wales
www.youtube.com
February 3, 2026 at 10:31 AM
We had First Minister of Wales Eluned Morgan on the podcast.
We discuss the lack of concessions from Keir Starmer for Wales, Cymru's public services and what she would do if she won in May.
Be interested to hear your thoughts on her responses:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=zZmw...
We discuss the lack of concessions from Keir Starmer for Wales, Cymru's public services and what she would do if she won in May.
Be interested to hear your thoughts on her responses:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=zZmw...
This sums up what Welsh Labour are up against.
@moreincommonuk.bsky.social polling looks at how people view various Welsh Gov policies.
The further right on the graph the more have heard of it.
The further up the more people like it.
People have really only heard of the things they hate.
@moreincommonuk.bsky.social polling looks at how people view various Welsh Gov policies.
The further right on the graph the more have heard of it.
The further up the more people like it.
People have really only heard of the things they hate.
February 2, 2026 at 12:50 PM
This sums up what Welsh Labour are up against.
@moreincommonuk.bsky.social polling looks at how people view various Welsh Gov policies.
The further right on the graph the more have heard of it.
The further up the more people like it.
People have really only heard of the things they hate.
@moreincommonuk.bsky.social polling looks at how people view various Welsh Gov policies.
The further right on the graph the more have heard of it.
The further up the more people like it.
People have really only heard of the things they hate.
Reposted by Will Hayward - Wales Journo
Yesterday, five-year-old Liam and his dad Adrian were released from Dilley detention center. I picked them up last night and escorted them back to Minnesota this morning.
Liam is now home. With his hat and his backpack.
Liam is now home. With his hat and his backpack.
February 1, 2026 at 3:49 PM
Yesterday, five-year-old Liam and his dad Adrian were released from Dilley detention center. I picked them up last night and escorted them back to Minnesota this morning.
Liam is now home. With his hat and his backpack.
Liam is now home. With his hat and his backpack.
In their "contract to the people" Reform UK said that St George's day and St David's day should be a bank holiday.
They then added that: "English national identity should be officially promoted and celebrated, no ignored and banned".
No mention of Wales at all.
1/2
They then added that: "English national identity should be officially promoted and celebrated, no ignored and banned".
No mention of Wales at all.
1/2
January 23, 2026 at 1:52 PM
In their "contract to the people" Reform UK said that St George's day and St David's day should be a bank holiday.
They then added that: "English national identity should be officially promoted and celebrated, no ignored and banned".
No mention of Wales at all.
1/2
They then added that: "English national identity should be officially promoted and celebrated, no ignored and banned".
No mention of Wales at all.
1/2
Reposted by Will Hayward - Wales Journo
"We have a ridiculous situation where the House of Commons doubles as the parliament of both the UK and England. This is not ideal. The governor of California can’t also be the president of the US. There are clearly conflicting priorities."
☝️ We don't talk about this enough.
☝️ We don't talk about this enough.
My latest piece for the Guardian:
Wales is on course to have a majority of parties in the Senedd who support Welsh independence.
The best way to secure the future of the UK is to make it work for the people of the UK.
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
Wales is on course to have a majority of parties in the Senedd who support Welsh independence.
The best way to secure the future of the UK is to make it work for the people of the UK.
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
Wake up, Westminster:after May, the Scottish and Welsh parliaments will likely be for independence | Will Hayward
With Plaid Cymru and the SNP leading polls in their respective nations, can the United Kingdom continue in this – or any – form, asks Guardian columnist Will Hayward
www.theguardian.com
January 22, 2026 at 10:27 PM
"We have a ridiculous situation where the House of Commons doubles as the parliament of both the UK and England. This is not ideal. The governor of California can’t also be the president of the US. There are clearly conflicting priorities."
☝️ We don't talk about this enough.
☝️ We don't talk about this enough.
Reposted by Will Hayward - Wales Journo
Few things have made me feel better about the world lately, but @willhaycardiff.bsky.social's writing is one of the few exceptions.
#Wales #Cymru #UKpolitics
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
#Wales #Cymru #UKpolitics
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
Wake up, Westminster:after May, the Scottish and Welsh parliaments will likely be for independence | Will Hayward
With Plaid Cymru and the SNP leading polls in their respective nations, can the United Kingdom continue in this – or any – form, asks Guardian columnist Will Hayward
www.theguardian.com
January 22, 2026 at 7:16 PM
Few things have made me feel better about the world lately, but @willhaycardiff.bsky.social's writing is one of the few exceptions.
#Wales #Cymru #UKpolitics
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
#Wales #Cymru #UKpolitics
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
My latest piece for the Guardian:
Wales is on course to have a majority of parties in the Senedd who support Welsh independence.
The best way to secure the future of the UK is to make it work for the people of the UK.
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
Wales is on course to have a majority of parties in the Senedd who support Welsh independence.
The best way to secure the future of the UK is to make it work for the people of the UK.
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
Wake up, Westminster:after May, the Scottish and Welsh parliaments will likely be for independence | Will Hayward
With Plaid Cymru and the SNP leading polls in their respective nations, can the United Kingdom continue in this – or any – form, asks Guardian columnist Will Hayward
www.theguardian.com
January 22, 2026 at 2:04 PM
My latest piece for the Guardian:
Wales is on course to have a majority of parties in the Senedd who support Welsh independence.
The best way to secure the future of the UK is to make it work for the people of the UK.
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
Wales is on course to have a majority of parties in the Senedd who support Welsh independence.
The best way to secure the future of the UK is to make it work for the people of the UK.
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
We are now 366 days into Trump "ending the war in Ukraine within 24 hours".
We are also 1,427 days into Putin's "3-day special operation".
Turns out tyrannical narcissists are full of shit.
We are also 1,427 days into Putin's "3-day special operation".
Turns out tyrannical narcissists are full of shit.
January 21, 2026 at 2:32 PM
We are now 366 days into Trump "ending the war in Ukraine within 24 hours".
We are also 1,427 days into Putin's "3-day special operation".
Turns out tyrannical narcissists are full of shit.
We are also 1,427 days into Putin's "3-day special operation".
Turns out tyrannical narcissists are full of shit.
Inside the Welsh Parliament after the Tories kick out member for talking to Reform.
First Minister Eluned Morgan likens the Conservatives to the Beckhams
"There are Traitors on TV and Traitors in your own party."
"There is more infighting in your party than in the Beckham's family."
First Minister Eluned Morgan likens the Conservatives to the Beckhams
"There are Traitors on TV and Traitors in your own party."
"There is more infighting in your party than in the Beckham's family."
January 20, 2026 at 3:34 PM
Inside the Welsh Parliament after the Tories kick out member for talking to Reform.
First Minister Eluned Morgan likens the Conservatives to the Beckhams
"There are Traitors on TV and Traitors in your own party."
"There is more infighting in your party than in the Beckham's family."
First Minister Eluned Morgan likens the Conservatives to the Beckhams
"There are Traitors on TV and Traitors in your own party."
"There is more infighting in your party than in the Beckham's family."
James Evans has been booted out of the Tory group in the Senedd.
He was shadow health sec in the shadow cabinet.
Welsh Conservative leader Darren Millar said:
He was shadow health sec in the shadow cabinet.
Welsh Conservative leader Darren Millar said:
January 20, 2026 at 10:44 AM
James Evans has been booted out of the Tory group in the Senedd.
He was shadow health sec in the shadow cabinet.
Welsh Conservative leader Darren Millar said:
He was shadow health sec in the shadow cabinet.
Welsh Conservative leader Darren Millar said:
Last week I interviewed Plaid Cymru leader Rhun ap Iorwerth.
He is the person most likely to be Wales’ First Minister after May’s election.
With this extraordinary polling comes a need for extraordinary levels of scrutiny and accountability.
willhaywardwales.substack.com/p/scrutinisi...
He is the person most likely to be Wales’ First Minister after May’s election.
With this extraordinary polling comes a need for extraordinary levels of scrutiny and accountability.
willhaywardwales.substack.com/p/scrutinisi...
Scrutinising Plaid Cymru: The Rhun ap Iorwerth interview
We sat down with the man polls suggest could be the next First Minister
willhaywardwales.substack.com
January 20, 2026 at 8:11 AM
Last week I interviewed Plaid Cymru leader Rhun ap Iorwerth.
He is the person most likely to be Wales’ First Minister after May’s election.
With this extraordinary polling comes a need for extraordinary levels of scrutiny and accountability.
willhaywardwales.substack.com/p/scrutinisi...
He is the person most likely to be Wales’ First Minister after May’s election.
With this extraordinary polling comes a need for extraordinary levels of scrutiny and accountability.
willhaywardwales.substack.com/p/scrutinisi...
There is is something very important to bear in mind when looking at Reform's drop in the polls in Wales.
Yes, their vote share has dropped...BUT... this doesn't mean that fewer people are supporting them...
1/4
Yes, their vote share has dropped...BUT... this doesn't mean that fewer people are supporting them...
1/4
January 19, 2026 at 6:39 PM
There is is something very important to bear in mind when looking at Reform's drop in the polls in Wales.
Yes, their vote share has dropped...BUT... this doesn't mean that fewer people are supporting them...
1/4
Yes, their vote share has dropped...BUT... this doesn't mean that fewer people are supporting them...
1/4
It’s funny how many of those politicians who couldn’t shut up about “sovereignty” during the Brexit referendum have now spun on a dime because Daddy wants an island. #Greenland
January 18, 2026 at 2:09 PM
It’s funny how many of those politicians who couldn’t shut up about “sovereignty” during the Brexit referendum have now spun on a dime because Daddy wants an island. #Greenland
Last Friday I attended the Wales Media Awards where I won Political Journalist of the Year.
I was up against two superb fellow hacks and I was really honoured to win.
1/3
I was up against two superb fellow hacks and I was really honoured to win.
1/3
January 18, 2026 at 12:31 PM
Last Friday I attended the Wales Media Awards where I won Political Journalist of the Year.
I was up against two superb fellow hacks and I was really honoured to win.
1/3
I was up against two superb fellow hacks and I was really honoured to win.
1/3
Reposted by Will Hayward - Wales Journo
Nice to see @willhaycardiff.bsky.social getting the support & recognition he deserves.
The 39th biggest political substack in the world - and he's talking about Wales.
willhaywardwales.substack.com/p/behind-ref...
The 39th biggest political substack in the world - and he's talking about Wales.
willhaywardwales.substack.com/p/behind-ref...
Behind Reform's drop in the polls
Plus we go to the Welsh town where less than a third of people vote
willhaywardwales.substack.com
January 18, 2026 at 10:49 AM
Nice to see @willhaycardiff.bsky.social getting the support & recognition he deserves.
The 39th biggest political substack in the world - and he's talking about Wales.
willhaywardwales.substack.com/p/behind-ref...
The 39th biggest political substack in the world - and he's talking about Wales.
willhaywardwales.substack.com/p/behind-ref...
The latest pod is out where we talk about Labour leaked elections plans in Wales:
youtu.be/T4T0zOihUyk
youtu.be/T4T0zOihUyk
What’s Labour’s plan in Wales? | For Wales See Wales
YouTube video by For Wales See Wales
youtu.be
January 16, 2026 at 8:24 AM
The latest pod is out where we talk about Labour leaked elections plans in Wales:
youtu.be/T4T0zOihUyk
youtu.be/T4T0zOihUyk