| |
|
|
|
| | | |
|
LATEST NEWS
| Four out of Ten Voters Likely to be aged 55+ | | | Source: TAEN Website 06.04.2010
The researchers found that 319 of the 632 seats in England, Scotland and Wales are likely to have ‘grey majorities’ turning out to vote, including 94 of the marginal constituencies which will determine the result.
They predict that Christchurch in Dorset will have the highest proportion of older voters (70.9 per cent) turning out to vote on 6 May, followed by Clacton in Essex (69 per cent), New Forest West (68.1 per cent), Norfolk North (67.9 per cent) and West Dorset (66.3 per cent).
Existing marginal seats with a predicted majority of older voters include: Sittingbourne & Sheppey in Kent (won by Labour by 79 votes in 2005) with a 50.6 per cent turnout of over-55s forecast for this year’s election; Clwyd West (with a Conservative majority of 133 in 2005) with a turnout of 61.5 per cent over-55s predicted; and Solihull (with a Liberal Democrat majority of 279 in 2005) with a turnout of 55.7 per cent of over-55s forecast.
Dr Scott Davidson, who led the study, said:
‘‘The research shows most seats in the House of Commons will elect MPs based on a turnout where grey voters are the majority.’‘
He added, ‘‘As we age, our experience of society and the issues that impact the most directly on our quality of life shift and change. If older voters perceive one party to be much stronger, or weaker, on one of these ageing issues it could sway a large number of votes. ‘’
Michelle Mitchell, charity director of Age UK, the organisation which commissioned the research as part of its new Our Power is Our Number campaign, commented:
“The success of any party in this election depends on their commitment to act on the issues which are most important to older people, who are more likely to vote than any other age group.
“Older people are fed up with second-class services and we will support them to demand action from their local candidates on care, age discrimination, the NHS and pensions.”
| | | NEWS INDEX |
|
|
 |
|
| |
| |
|
|
