Summary

  • Party leaders faced questions from a live studio audience in a special BBC debate ahead of the Welsh Parliament election

  • Taking part were Darren Millar, Welsh Conservatives; Anthony Slaughter, Wales Green Party; Eluned Morgan, Welsh Labour; Jane Dodds, Welsh Liberal Democrats; Rhun ap Iorwerth, Plaid Cymru; and Dan Thomas, Reform UK Wales

  • They clashed over the NHS, cost of living, immigration and independence

  • The Leaders Debate was hosted by Bethan Rhys Roberts in Cardiff

  • Voters in Wales go to the polls on 7 May

Live Reporting

Edited by Adam Hale and Miriam Barker, with reporting from David Deans, Oscar Edwards and Amy Mackrill

  1. The stakes are high

    Gareth Lewis
    Wales political editor

    This is not quite the last chance for party leaders to make their points, but it’s getting mighty close with the 7 May election just nine days away.

    The stakes are high with so little time to go, and what politicians say and how they react will be shared across socials and the wider internet beyond just tonight.

    At this stage getting the combination right is a balancing act – they need to give their own policies a big push, attack their opponents and avoid any gaffes.

    We are likely to hear some familiar themes such as the NHS, cost of living, immigration and jobs, as well as whether Wales wants political change.

    If that change does come it will be of generational proportions after 27 years of Labour dominance in Cardiff Bay and more than a century of winning Welsh elections.

    With polls suggesting a tight race it is still not clear what that change might look like, if it does indeed come.

  2. Welsh leaders go head-to-head

    An empty studiobbc

    We're counting down to the start of tonight's TV debate, where the leaders of Wales' six biggest parties will face a live studio audience in Cardiff.

    Taking part are the leaders of the Welsh Conservatives, Wales Green Party, Welsh Labour, Welsh Liberal Democrats, Plaid Cymru and Reform UK Wales.

    Stay with us as we bring you all the action as it happens, as well as analysis and reaction.

    You can watch our video coverage from 19:45 BST by clicking play at the top of this page.

    Presenter Bethan Rhys Roberts will then kick off the show at around 20:00.