In recent years, there has been a noticeable shift in the voting patterns of different age groups in the United Kingdom. A recent study conducted by pollster YouGov has revealed that the traditional grip of the Conservative party on older voters seems to be slipping, with Labour gaining significant support among younger demographics.
The research indicates that the age group most likely to vote for Labour in the upcoming election is the 25 to 29-year-olds, with a staggering 59% expressing their support for Keir Starmer’s party.
Labour also holds an advantage over the Conservatives in five other age categories, ranging from 18 to 24-year-olds up to the 60-69-year-old age bracket. The only age group where the Conservatives maintain a lead is among those aged over 70, with 43% expressing their support for the party.
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This shift in voting patterns marks a significant departure from the previous general election in 2019, where the Conservative party held an advantage over Labour in the four age categories from 40 years old and over.
Matthew Smith from YouGov emphasizes that age will continue to be a key dividing line in the upcoming general election. He notes that the Conservative party’s popularity is now primarily concentrated among the over-70s, down from 67% in 2019.
Labour has emerged as the main beneficiary, increasing their vote share among the oldest Britons from 14% to 23%. Additionally, Britons in their 60s are evenly split, with 33% supporting Labour and 31% favouring the Conservatives. It is worth noting that the majority of Britons under 50 now express their intention to vote for Labour.
Age will once again be a key factor in how people vote, and currently Labour are ahead among every age group except the over-70s
Labour / Tory vote by age group
18-24: 56% / 9%
25-29: 59% / 10%
30-39: 58% / 12%
40-49: 52% / 16%
50-59: 43% / 24%
60-69: 33% / 31%
70+: 23% / 43%… pic.twitter.com/MWMcSdq05J— YouGov (@YouGov) January 30, 2024
While age appears to be the most significant factor in determining voting preferences, the YouGov poll also examined voting intention by gender, education, and class. The study concludes that the coalition that propelled the Conservatives to victory in the 2019 general election has crumbled, indicating a significant shift in the political landscape.
These findings align with other recent polls that have consistently shown Labour enjoying a double-digit lead over the Conservative party. Last week, the prime minister’s pollster resigned from No.10, stating that the country is on track for a “decade of Labour rule.”
The changing dynamics of voter preferences among different age groups and the decline in Conservative support among older voters highlight the need for political parties to adapt their strategies and appeal to a broader range of demographics.
As the upcoming general election approaches, it will be interesting to observe how parties respond to these shifting trends and whether they can effectively engage with younger voters.
The post Tory Popularity Slips As Labour Gains Ground Among Younger Voters appeared first on SurgeZirc UK.
