Labour leader Keir Starmer has confirmed that 16- and 17-year-olds could be given the right to vote if his party wins the general election. Speaking at a football ground in the West Midlands, Starmer said: "If you can work, if you can pay tax, if you can serve in your armed forces, then you ought to be able to vote." The move would add about 1.5 million people to the electorate.
However, some Labour MPs are urging Starmer to delay the proposal, arguing that it could alienate older voters and that the party should focus on other priorities. The voting age was lowered from 21 to 18 in 1969, and Scotland and Wales already allow 16- and 17-year-olds to vote in local and devolved elections.
According to psephologists, younger people are significantly more likely to vote Labour than Conservative, but are also less likely to turn out on polling day. The pledge is expected to appear in Labour's manifesto, which shadow chancellor Rachel Reeves said was ready to be published.
Starmer's comments came as he campaigned at Stafford Rangers FC, continuing a pattern of appearing at football grounds to project a "man of the people" image. This is part of an effort to distance himself from Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, who has faced criticism for being out of touch.
Meanwhile, Sunak's campaign faced setbacks, including a record number of small boat arrivals and the shock announcement that Michael Gove would not stand for re-election. Both Jeremy Hunt and Rachel Reeves highlighted the need to lower taxes for working people, with Hunt focusing on high earners and inheritance tax.
