BBC Wales to air assembly election leaders' debates

party leaders from left to right: Carwyn Jones, Andrew RT Davies, Leanne Wood, Kirsty Williams and Nathan Gill

Party leaders will face questions from the public in a series of debates broadcast by BBC One Wales in the run up to the assembly election.

It will hold five Ask the Leader debates in the week of 11 April, and is looking for people to take part.

The shows will be broadcast live at 19:00 BST at locations from Swansea, Aberystwyth and Llangollen.

The Wales Report with Huw Edwards will also host a debate on 27 April, with six party leaders invited.

'Crucial role'

BBC Wales' Bethan Rhys-Roberts, who will present the debates, said: "The audiences will play a crucial role in holding the politicians to account and I'll be seeking answers to their questions.

"As the campaign gathers pace, I'm looking forward to hearing what really concerns people across Wales and what the five leaders - Carwyn Jones for Welsh Labour, Andrew RT Davies for the Welsh Conservatives, Plaid Cymru's Leanne Wood, Kirsty Williams from the Welsh Liberal Democrats and UKIP Wales' Nathan Gill have to say for themselves."

Viewers can apply to be in the audience by emailing asktheleader@bbc.co.uk or by calling 03703 500 700, weekdays 09.30 to 19.30.

Guidelines require the BBC to have a balanced audience for Ask the Leader and The Wales Report Leaders' Debate. The broadcaster will ask all potential members of the audience questions about their political affiliation, in the interests of balance.

Calls to 0370 UK-wide rate are charged at no more than 01/02 geographic numbers. Calls may be recorded for training.

Coverage

Leaders of Welsh Labour, the Welsh Conservatives, the Welsh Liberal Democrats, Plaid Cymru, UKIP Wales and the Welsh Green Party have also been invited to take part in The Wales Report Leaders' Debate in Cardiff.

It will be shown on BBC One Wales and the BBC News Channel at 20:30 on 27 April.

BBC Wales will provide coverage of the assembly election campaign on TV, radio and digital services, with further details to be announced.

There will also be comprehensive coverage of the results overnight on 5 May.

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