Disputes over NHS condition and Senedd growth in TV discussion

Candidates for the Welsh Parliament clashed over the future of the NHS and the proposed increase in the number of Senedd members during a live debate ahead of next May's election.

Conservative candidate Giffard announced that his party would "declare a health emergency," emphasizing efforts to reduce waiting lists. Plaid Cymrus Delyth Jewell proposed implementing an "executive triage service" to streamline patient care and developing elective care hubs. Llyr Powell from Reform UK warned that the rate of staff leaving the NHS is alarming and stressed the need for enhanced recruitment and training programs.

Labours Jane Bryant highlighted that her party has invested additional funds into the NHS and aims to eliminate all two-year waiting periods. Addressing criticism about the Welsh NHS missing targets, Bryant stated that staff are working diligently to manage the backlog, ensuring patients are seen consistently.

During the hour-long BBC Walescast debate in Newport, streamed live and later broadcast on BBC One, audience member Leigh Richards asked about plans to reduce waiting lists. Despite government investment, patient waits remain high, with roughly 8,000 individuals in Wales waiting for two yearsfar above figures in England, where long waits have mostly been eradicated.

Plaid Cymru deputy leader Delyth Jewell accused Reform UKs Nigel Farage of wanting to privatize the NHS, a claim Powell rejected, asserting that his party has no intention of doing so. Powell recently finished second in Caerphilly by-election, a seat held by Labour for over a century.

The debate also covered the planned expansion of the Senedd, which will increase the number of members from 60 to 96 next May. The Senedd Commissions 2026-27 budget includes 12.7 million for salaries and operational costs of the additional members, contributing to a 21% overall budget rise from 83.8 million to 102.7 million.

Giffard criticized Plaid Cymru for pressuring Labour to approve the Senedd expansion, calling it the "wrong priority" given Wales long waiting lists, poor educational results, and weak economy. Jewell countered that the expansion addresses under-representation, noting Wales has lost MPs and has fewer political representatives per capita than Scotland or Northern Ireland. She emphasized that the goal is to ensure legislation is passed effectively.

The debate, titled Walescast: Your Voice, Your Vote, aired on BBC One Wales at 22:40 GMT on Wednesday and remains available on iPlayer.

Analysis: Key Points from the Welsh Parliament Debate

The recent live debate ahead of next May's Welsh Parliament elections showcased sharp divides among the candidates, particularly on the future of the NHS and the proposed expansion of the Senedd. With public trust in the NHS hanging in the balance, candidates laid out their differing visions to tackle Wales' healthcare challenges and broader issues in Welsh governance.

Giffard, representing the Conservative Party, emphasized his party's commitment to declaring a health emergency, with a clear focus on reducing NHS waiting lists. In contrast, Plaid Cymru's Delyth Jewell pushed for an executive triage service to streamline patient care. Meanwhile, Reform UK's Llyr Powell raised alarm over the NHS's staffing crisis, calling for stronger recruitment and training programs to mitigate the growing concerns over the staff exodus.

While Labour's Jane Bryant acknowledged the challenges, she defended the government's track record of investing in the NHS and targeting the elimination of two-year waiting periods. However, the fact remains that Wales lags behind England in reducing waiting times, with approximately 8,000 individuals waiting two years for treatment. This figure highlights the need for further action and practical solutions to restore public confidence.

In addition to healthcare, the debate touched on the controversial issue of expanding the Senedd, which will increase the number of members from 60 to 96. The decision is set to cost taxpayers an additional £12.7 million in salaries and operational expenses. Conservative Giffard criticized the expansion as a misplaced priority, arguing that addressing the NHS crisis, education, and Wales' economic woes should come first. Plaid Cymru's Jewell, however, argued that the expansion is necessary to ensure fair representation, pointing out that Wales has fewer political representatives per capita than other devolved nations such as Scotland and Northern Ireland.

The debate highlighted the stark differences between the parties' approaches to healthcare and governance. With election day approaching, voters will need to consider which party offers the most realistic and effective solutions to the challenges facing Wales today.

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• Clashes over state of NHS and Senedd expansion in TV debate