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Elections

BBC Faces Criticism Over Exclusion of Plaid Cymru on Sunday Politics Programme

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

The BBC is facing backlash on social media after failing to include Plaid Cymru on its flagship Sunday politics programme, despite the Welsh independence party securing a historic by-election victory over Labour and Reform UK. The party's leader, Rhun ap Iorwerth, was not represented on the show, despite the significant win, which saw Labour suffer its first defeat in Caerphilly for over 100 years. Critics took to Twitter to express their disappointment, with many accusing the BBC of perpetuating the "old boy's club" of the two main parties.

Key Takeaways:

  • The BBC's Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg programme excluded Plaid Cymru from its lineup despite the party's historic by-election victory over Labour and Reform UK.
  • The exclusion sparked criticism on social media, with many accusing the BBC of bias and perpetuating the "old boy's club" of the two main parties.
  • Journalist Gerry Hassan commented on Twitter, saying "Normal service resumed on #BBCLaurak. The old boy's club of the once two big parties getting prime slots despite only winning 13% in the recent Caerphilly by-election."
  • Rival online media outlet Novara Media co-founder Aaron Bastani reacted to the lineup, saying "Plaid Cymru winning a by-election in a place that voted Labour for a century? It never happened."
  • Other social media users criticized the BBC, with one writing "It's like a rather important by-election in Caerphilly never happened" and another saying "V odd: no Plaid Cymru. If Reform had won as so many pundits were excited about I'm sure you would have had them on."
  • The lineup included Health Secretary Wes Streeting, shadow home secretary Chris Philp, barrister Marina Wheeler, and journalist Mike Shear, but not any representatives from Plaid Cymru.
  • A BBC spokesperson claimed that Plaid Cymru's leader, Rhun ap Iorwerth, had been interviewed on the show two weeks prior during the party's conference, and that the party's results were discussed with Wes Streeting during an interview.

Statistics:

  • Plaid Cymru secured a historic by-election victory over Labour and Reform UK in Caerphilly, its first win in over 100 years.
  • 13% of the electorate voted Labour and Reform UK combined in the Caerphilly by-election.
  • The by-election saw Plaid Cymru win over Labour for the first time in Caerphilly, with many pundits expressing surprise and excitement.

Sources:

  • Twitter post by Laura Kuenssberg, @bbclaurak, October 25, 2025
  • Twitter post by Gerry Hassan, @gerryhassan, October 25, 2025
  • Twitter post by Aaron Bastani, @aeonb, October 25, 2025
  • BBC spokesperson, October 25, 2025
  • Green leader Zack Polanski, earlier this month (no date specified)

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