Electoral Commission

The Independent has reported the party will put the proposal to the Labour conference this autumn with a view to including it in the party's general election manifesto. This follows Labour's floating of the idea in its "Big Conversation" policy document. Lord Falconer, the Lord Chancellor, has called for a debate on this "very important" issue. And David Milliband the Schools Minister has also spoken in favour of the proposal.

But Mr Sumberg said lowering the voting age to 16 is simply not an issue at the forefront of public concern.

"There is no demand for this,' he said. "Only a Government as out of touch as Labour could waste its time on pursuing such an irrelevance - particularly as it flys in the face of the Electoral Commission's expert advice. The plain fact is that lowering the voting age will do nothing to address the underlying causes of apathy and voter disillusionment among young people. The more likely outcome is that it would perversely serve to lower the average level of turnout. Instead of pursuing politically correct nonsense like this Labour should be focusing on reducing crime and improving standards in education, the NHS and our transport system - not to mention making decisions on joining the Euro and setting a date for the EU constitution referendum."

Mr Sumberg said he supported the Electoral Commission's recent recommendation that the voting age and candidacy age should be standardised at 18.

"18 is the age widely accepted as signifying a major turning point in personal development, marking the time when a young person becomes an adult,' he said. "Opening the door to younger elected representatives - such as 18 year old councillors - will do far more to re-engage young people in politics because it will give them a voice and a platform. I accept that questions will be asked as to whether older teenagers have sufficient experience to become an MP or councillor. However it is best that such subjective considerations are assessed during the candidate selection process and ultimately by the electorate."

Labour wrong to ignore Electoral Commission