Politicians Aren't Real

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BBC Radio Wales - Politicians Aren't Real

Former minister Kirsty Williams asks what it'll take for politicians to regain our trust.

The widespread view of politicians is that they're only in it for themselves. Former Welsh government minister Kirsty Williams asks what it’s going to take to change our minds.

"They're out of touch"... "They're in the bubble"... "They never answer a straight question"

In an age where trust in elected officials is at an all-time low there's a very clear void between politicians and the general public - the perception being that politicians simply aren’t real.

In recent years public mistrust has turned to anger and even violence with MPs and Senedd Members regularly receiving abuse and even death threats via social media.

Former Welsh government minister and Senedd Member Kirsty Williams explores the public's perception of politicians; the role they're expected to play in society and the moments which have turned the tide against them.

Exploring the human side of the people we elect to make decisions on our behalf, Kirsty begins the process of rebuilding trust at a time when it is needed most.

She reflects on her own experiences, sharing them with another former Plaid Cymru leader, Leanne Wood, and current Llywydd in Cardiff Bay, Elin Jones MS.

The world of Westminster is also explored through Labour’s Chris Bryant MP, Chair of the Committees on Standards and Privileges in the House of Commons, and the Conservative MP for Monmouth David TC Davies.

An impartial, academic viewpoint comes from Professor Laura McAllister of the Wales Governance Centre.

Can politicians regain trust and respect in the eyes of the voters or is scandal-weary disaffection numbing us towards the danger of a failing democracy?

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