BBC confirm plans for leaders’ election debate in wake of criticism over invites

The BBC has confirmed its plans for the upcoming leaders’ election debate in the wake of criticism over invites.

It had come under fire for inviting Abolish the Welsh Assembly Party but not including the Greens.

It has now revealed that the BBC Wales Leaders Debate, which is to be broadcast on BBC One Wales at 8.30pm on Thursday, April 29, in advance of polling day on May 6, will be a two-part debate, with some of the parties that weren’t thought to be invited, taking part in the second.

Bethan Rhys Roberts and Nick Servini will present the debate over ninety minutes and they’ll be joined by a virtual audience armed with topical questions.

In the first hour, Bethan will host leaders invited from the Labour, Conservative, Plaid Cymru, Liberal Democrats and Abolish the Assembly parties.

Nick Servini will host leaders invited from Reform, UKIP, and the Green Party for the second part of the programme.

BBC Wales’ Head of News, Garmon Rhys said: “BBC Wales Leaders Debate is part of our package of comprehensive coverage of this year’s Senedd election on the BBC, ensuring audiences in every part of Wales get all the facts and information they need to make their choice on polling day.

“It’s an opportunity for the party leaders to answer questions and debate some of the election’s key issues chaired by two expert presenters. It promises to be a fascinating discussion.”