Labour is under fire for alleged “staggering hypocrisy” due to its decision to restrict 16-year-olds from serving as local party leaders, even though they are allowed to vote in general elections.
The party, led by Sir Keir Starmer, has decided to implement a new policy that raises the minimum age for roles such as constituency association chairs, treasurers, and secretaries to 18.
It was signed off by the party’s ruling national executive on Wednesday with several Cabinet Ministers in attendance.
It came just days after the PM announced controversial plans to let 1.5million 16 and 17-year-olds participate in general elections.
He claimed they were responsible enough to pay tax and join the army so should be able to cast ballots.
A Labour Party insider said: “We just look totally ridiculous now because it has made the entire logic behind the policy incoherent.
“It’s contradictory to say that 16-year-olds are capable of choosing the next prime minister, yet claim they are not mature enough to handle tasks like taking minutes at a local party meeting. It’s simply astonishing hypocrisy.”
Sir Keir’s plan to lower the voting age has widely been seen as a cynical ploy to boost his chances of re-election.
Polling shows they would mop up about a third of all 16 and 17-year-olds if an election were held today.
However social media-savvy Reform is also polling well in that age bracket as are left-wing parties like the Greens.
A Labour spokesman said: “Electoral law doesn’t currently protect under-18s from legal liability. This change to the Party’s rules will protect young people.
“That has nothing to do with votes at 16 and is a total false equivalence. It’s right that those who pay tax and fight for our country can have a say in its future.”
