Ministers today unveiled plans they said would “modernise our democracy” by widening the franchise to bring national elections in line with those held in Scotland and Wales.
But the move, a manifesto pledge from the party, has been criticised as a cynical ploy since a large proportion of young voters support Labour.
In a blow to the party, however, it has emerged that almost half of teenagers do not even want to be given the vote.
In a poll, some 49% of those questioned said they disagreed with the move. Only a few more of the 500 youths questioned by Merlin Strategy, 51%, backed Labour’s proposal.
In addition, only 18% of the 16 and 17 year-olds polled said they would definitely cast a ballot if there was an election tomorrow – with 13% saying they would not take part.
But of those who would vote, 33% would back Labour, the highest support for any party.
Sir Keir Starmer told ITV News: ‘I think it’s really important that 16 and 17 year-olds have the vote, because they are old enough to go out to work, they are old enough to pay taxes, so pay in.
“And I think if you pay in, you should have the opportunity to say what you want your money spent on, which way the Government should go.”
But a Tory source said: “This is bare-faced ballot box stuffing. It’s a sign of desperation this failing Labour government is resorting to underhand tactics and rigging extra votes to try and cling on to power for longer.'”...<<<Read More>>>...
