Coffee House Shots Will 16 year olds vote Labour?
Jul 18, 2025
Join Tim Shipman, a seasoned journalist known for his sharp political insights, and Luke Tryl, a pollster at More in Common with a knack for public sentiment analysis. They dive into the chaotic recent events within the Labour Party, especially Diane Abbott's latest suspension. The discussion shifts to the controversial decision to allow 16-year-olds to vote, with supporters emphasizing youth inclusion while critics warn of political manipulation. The duo examines whether this new voting demographic could truly influence future elections.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Labour's Shift on Discipline
- Diane Abbott's recent suspension reflects a colder, less tolerant Labour Party environment compared to before the 2024 election.
- Starmer acts swiftly against perceived anti-Semitism to signal zero tolerance and protect the party's image.
Starmer's Toughness Questioned
- Labour's suspensions aim more to caution loyal MPs than to harshly punish dissenters.
- Starmer risks confusing harshness with actual strength, especially after policy compromises.
Youth Vote's Limited Impact
- Giving 16-17-year-olds the vote will not drastically alter election math but benefits mainly left-leaning parties.
- Conservatives likely lose ground among youth who overwhelmingly poll against them.