Liam Byrne has urged Labour’s next leader to get “the silver majority” back on side. Or he warns the party will be left “on the sidelines” at the next election.
In an article for the Telegraph (£), the Shadow Minister for Universities, Science and Skills writes the Britain’s “silver majority” – those aged over the age of 55 – might for the first time “make up the majority of voters in the 2020 general election.”
Byrne argues that the Tories won votes from these people at the last election by increasing welfare payments for over 65s, channelling “an extra £19 billion in welfare payments to pensioners”, pledging a triple lock on pensions and giving “a promise not to touch winter fuel allowance or free bus passes.”
In contrast he said Labour candidates were left “scrabbling around for something to say to older voters”. In light of this he said “Labour’s politicians have to think again about their priorities if they want to win back office.”
Byrne cites Age Concern research which this generation are “pessimistic about the direction of the country, value strong leaders, and above all put the health of the economy first.” He also notes “Nearly half said we spend the wrong amount on social security – and nearly two thirds said the people who need welfare benefits were not the ones that get help. Three quarters said benefits should be more closely linked to contributions.”
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