Help The Aged Poll Reveals Growing Strength Of 'Grey Power'

Britain's older voters have the potential to make a decisive impact on the next general election. Those aged over 64 are potentially four times as powerful a group as younger voters (aged 18-24) - they are twice as likely to vote, and there are twice as many of them. Their priorities are distinct from those of younger electors, and how each party addresses their concerns may play a central role in the next general election.

Two-thirds (66%) of those aged 55+ are unhappy with the way Tony Blair is doing his job as Prime Minister, against 51% who are dissatisfied with William Hague as leader of the Opposition. From a four-point Labour lead one month ago among over 54s, the Conservatives now lead Labour by 10 points (41% to 31%, with the Liberal Democrats on 20%).

Professor Sir Robert Worcester, Chairman and Founder of MORI, said: "Traditionally, older voters are the most stable sector of the electorate, but the series of blunders made by this Government - not least the 75 pence pension 'insult' - has lead pensioners and those close to retirement to become rebellious."

"Seven in ten - 72% - of the over 54s are dissatisfied with the job the Government is doing - 12 points worse than one month ago. Among the electorate generally there is an 8.5% swing in satisfaction away from the Government, but an 11.5% swing among the over 54s. This generation represents one-third of the electorate, but 41% of the likely voters in the 125 most marginal seats between Labour and Conservative in the next election. If the Conservatives are going to force this Government into a hung Parliament, they must win these seats - and the key to winning these seats is Grey Power."

In mid-August three 'core issues' dominated older people's (those aged 65+) perceptions of the most important issues facing Britain, compared with 12 months ago: the NHS takes top priority (cited by 41% now, against 36% in August 1999), followed by Crime (39%, up from 26%) and Pensions (32%, up from 23%).

Underlying this is the political necessity of gaining the support of the over 64s - the most politically active age group. Three-quarters (75%) of older voters report being 'certain to vote'; the bulk of the electorate is more apathetic - just 55% of those aged 18-64 being certain to vote.

Michael Lake, Director General of Help the Aged, said: "There are now clear signs of a groundswell of discontent in the older population. The Government and opposition parties must show a firm intention to address the issues of pensions, health and crime, and must provide tangible change if they want to have the support of this powerful group of voters."

Note to Editors

• Survey findings taken from MORI/Help the Aged polls, and also MORI/The Times and MORI/News of the World research.
• Between 14-15 September 2000 MORI interviewed 1,006 adults aged 18+, including 183 adults aged 65+, by telephone.
• Between 17-21 August 2000 MORI interviewed 1,014 adults aged 18+, including 195 adults aged 65+, face-to-face and at home, to compare year-on-year with August figures since 1997.
• All data are weighted to the national population profile.