UK Youth Parliament member argues voting age SHOULD be lowered but issues warning over 'left-wing bias'

Speaking on GB News, Marwood backed the proposal but admitted that as a result, schools could play a part in a disproportionate shift towards more votes for left-wing parties.

Asked whether a perceived left-wing bias in schools is concerning, Marwood told Patrick Christys and Emily Carver: “We do see in some schools a focus on activism rather than actual education.

“Some teachers do usually take the left-wing approach which could influence student voting.

“There is that aspect to it.”

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Despite Marwood’s concerns, he remains adamant that the voting age should be lowered to include 16 and 17-year-olds.

“I think votes at 16 should be implemented”, he said.

“16-year-olds are already having to pay National Insurance and income tax and yet they don’t get to vote on who runs the country.

“To me, that doesn’t seem like a true democracy.”

Emily Carver questioned Marwood on his claims, asking “how many” of those within the younger age bracket are paying National Insurance.

Marwood insisted a “very large majority” are, with many taking up part time positions.

Sir Keir Starmer has said people old enough to work should be allowed to vote.

The party leader said anyone paying tax should “have their say” in how their money is spent as he made the commitment shortly after Rishi Sunak called the general election.

Asked by reporters on the campaign trail in Staffordshire whether Labour would lower the voting age, Sir Keir said: “Yes, I want to see both 16 and 17-year-olds. 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.”

It comes after the Times reported a change to the voting age would likely appear in the King’s Speech if Labour wins on July 4, though there is no firm indication of how quickly the policy would be implemented.

“I would be extremely surprised if it wasn’t in the King’s Speech,” a source told the paper, describing the legislation needed as “extremely straightforward”.