According to the Mirror, a cross-party bid to cut the voting age will be launched this week – piling pressure on the Tories to allow 16 and 17-year-olds to take part in elections.

A Private Member’s Bill will be unveiled in the Commons that could pave the way for 1.5 million teens to cast a ballot next time the country goes to the polls.

Lib Dem Alistair Carmichael said:

“Young people are subject to all the laws of the country and pay taxes just like the rest of us.

“They can join the Army and get married.

“In fact, 16-17-year-olds are full members of society in almost every respect, but don’t have a say over who governs us. That is simply not right.

“Lowering the voting age isn’t only the right thing to do, it will be healthy and revitalising for our democracy.”