Jon Bright (London OK): Party representatives start talks today to try and decide on new rules for party funding, following the publication of the review by Hayden Phillips. Unlock Democracy decided to test public opinion and commissioned an ICM poll (opens in a word document). In addition to probing attitudes on party funding they asked: "Which of the following organisations do you think has the most important role to play in Britain's democratic system of government?" Here are the answers.
This reveals a deep scepticism amongst young people about the relevance of political parties. Only 11% of 18-24 year olds saw them as having the most important role, in striking contrast to age groups of 25 and above, as you can see. Young people saw both business (at 18%) and the media (an overwhelming 51%) as more decisive than political parties. Perhaps they are reflecting on Rupert Murdoch’s apparently close and influential alliance with outgoing PM Tony Blair, or the ease at which the National Audit Office’s inquiry into corruption at BAE was withheld because of potential damage to the UK’s commercial interests. Either way, it bodes poorly for turnout at the next election – what will it take to make politics matter again to young people?
