Young politicians in Cumbria believe support is growing for England to follow the lead of Wales and Scotland by lowering the voting age to 16.

Votes for 16 and 17 year olds came into effect in Wales this month, bringing the country in line with Scotland which has allowed people aged 16 or above to vote since 2015.

Ben Perris, who is the Member of Youth Parliament for Carlisle and Eden, said lowering the voting age had been one of the top issues raised in the Make Your Mark ballot – an annual referendum of UK teenagers – over the past five years.

And he feels now could be the time for England to follow in the footsteps of its neighbours by handing young people a say in parliamentary and local elections.

Ben, 15, of Penrith, said: “This has run for five straight years on the Make Your Mark ballot and is something that young people are clearly wanting to see change in our area.”

More than 1,000 young people from Carlisle and Eden had highlighted votes at 16 as a priority in the ballot recently, up from about 400 in 2017, Ben revealed.

“I can see it climbing up the agenda and it’s definitely something I’m committed to working towards,” he added.

“It makes them feel engaged, like they have a say, and I think 16 is a good age for that because you are finishing school and at a key stage in your life.”

James Lennon, 16, of Caldbeck, who is the deputy MYP for Carlisle and Eden, echoed Ben’s thoughts and pointed out that young people are trusted to make big decisions in their own lives at that age.

He said: “At the age of 16 you can get married, have sex, leave home, pay taxes, and join the army.

“More and more young people are becoming increasingly politically aware and I think it would add value to the political discourse and create a more democratic society.”