Revealed: Half of young Londoners can't relate to mayoral hopefuls

Frontrunners: Sadiq Khan and Zac Goldsmith

Nigel Howard

David Churchill17 March 2016

Nearly half of young Londoners feel unable to relate to any of the mayoral candidates, a poll reveals today.

The exclusive YouGov survey found 47 per cent of young people are put off from registering to vote because the candidates fail to connect with them.

Twenty seven per cent say the things that are important to them are not being talked about.

Asked what those issues were in the run-up to the May election, 62 per cent cited making London a “more affordable” city to live in, while 49 per cent mentioned the “creation of better job opportunities”.

A further 49 per cent wanted more affordable housing.

The poll was co-commissioned by Ben & Jerry’s ice cream as part of its campaign to get more people voting. Ed Shepherd, social mission manager at Ben & Jerry’s, said: “We need a democracy where all voices are heard.” Their partner in the poll was civil rights group HOPE not hate. Its founder and chief executive, Nick Lowles, said: “We’re in danger of having a lost generation.”

YouGov surveyed 1,000 16 to 24-year-olds living in London. Register to vote at gov.uk/register-to-vote.