Election 2026 - The Leaders' Debate: Parties gear up for live show

We're counting down to the Senedd election, and gearing up to what could be a very revealing hour-and-a-half of television at Tuesday's leaders' debate. Political debates can be tetchy and noisy at times, but they're also an opportunity for voters to learn more about the individuals leading the parties and what their priorities will be if they get a chance to govern. For the six party leaders taking part it is a chance to sell themselves and their policies to undecided voters, but it's not without peril. Mistakes can be made during a live debate. It could be a slip of the tongue, a flash of anger or even a strong reaction from an audience member. With just over a week to go, in a very tight election, nobody can afford that. This is an election unlike any other we've had in Wales. The new electoral system and more politicians means the next Senedd will look very different. But there is also the potential for real political jeopardy, with polls suggesting Labour's 27-year dominance is under serious threat from Plaid Cymru and Reform. So there is pressure to perform and not mess it up. If they do make an error, it won't just be the people watching who see it, mistakes will be clipped