Labour has been accused of attempting to rig future elections by giving the vote to 16-year-olds.
The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government is expected to set out a plan to enfranchise under-18s today.
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 per cent of those questioned said they disagreed with the move. Only a few more of the 500 youths questioned by Merlin Strategy, 51 per cent, backed Labour’s proposal.
In addition, only 18 per cent of the 16 and 17-year-olds polled said they would definitely cast a ballot if there was an election tomorrow – with 13 per cent saying they would not take part.
A Tory source said tonight: ‘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.’
Labour vowed in its manifesto that it would give 16 and 17-year-olds the right to vote to ‘increase the engagement of young people in our vibrant democracy’. But the required legislation was a surprise omission from the King’s Speech for Keir Starmer’s first year in power.
Labour has been accused of attempting to rig future elections by giving the vote to 16-year-olds (file image)
Tory communities spokesman Kevin Hollinrake (pictured) told the Mail tonight: ‘This poll proves what many of us have long argued – even 16 and 17-year-olds don’t think they’re ready to vote’ (file image)
It is estimated another 1.5 million teenagers will be enfranchised for the next election – though Labour has dropped controversial plans to give millions of EU nationals the vote (file image)
Tory communities spokesman Kevin Hollinrake told the Mail tonight: ‘This poll proves what many of us have long argued – even 16 and 17-year-olds don’t think they’re ready to vote.
‘With only 18 per cent saying they’d definitely take part in an election, it’s clear that rushing to lower the voting age risks undermining the democratic process.
‘Voting should be a considered, informed responsibility – not a political stunt.’
Currently only those who are over 18 can take part in general elections, although 16 and 17-year-olds are allowed to vote for the devolved Scottish and Welsh parliaments.
It is estimated another 1.5 million teenagers will be enfranchised for the next election – though Labour has dropped controversial plans to give millions of EU nationals the vote.
The survey of young people – commissioned by ITV News – found 33 per cent of teenagers would vote Labour. And while 20 per cent said they would choose Reform, only 10 per cent would vote Conservative.
Scarlett Maguire, director of Merlin Strategy, said: ‘We would expect Labour to be out ahead with younger generations. I think maybe Labour would like to have a bigger lead among these people, but they still have quite a convincing lead over the challenging party, Reform UK.’
Reform leader Nigel Farage said: ‘It’s an attempt to rig the political system but we intend to give them a nasty surprise.’
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Labour is accused of bid to rig next election as it is set to announce votes for 16-year-olds… but HALF don’t want ballot box rights