Marginal seats like Colne Valley make and break governments, a shadow minister told college students.
Shadow Education Secretary Tristram Hunt was encouraging students of Huddersfield New College to vote in next year’s General Election.
Mr Hunt told the students – most of whom will be eligible to vote for the first time next year – that their votes were more likely to decide the next government, compared to those cast in stronghold constituencies.
Mr Hunt, the Labour member for Stoke-on-Trent, said: “You have the great virtue of living in a marginal constituency and governments rise and fall on your vote.”
Colne Valley has swung between Labour, Conservative and Liberal control since the 1960s.
During a questions and answers session Mr Hunt – and Colne Valley Labour candidate Jane East – answered students’ questions on the European Union, A-level reform, university tuition fees, the environment and lowering the voting age to 16.
Mr Hunt was even caught out by one student’s question about Gibraltar and incursions earlier this month by a Spanish ship.
He said: “I never expected in Colne Valley to hear a question about Gibraltar. I think they were a very sophisticated audience.”
Mr Hunt added: “We had a very good ding-dong with some young UKIP and Conservative members. Just as long as they’re politically engaged – that’s the main thing.
“I think I won a few people round but it’s important they see politicians for themselves and not refracted through the national media lense.
“This is a marginal seat which decides governments and it’s first time voters, so you couldn’t want more.”
Mr Hunt added that Ms East would have a challenge prising the Colne Valley seat from Conservative MP Jason McCartney.
He said: “Jane has a real battle and we need to be honest about that.”
But he added: “But this is a guy who has voted for the NHS reforms that are damaging the health service ... and the bedroom tax.
“It’s all very well being Mr Jolly Japes here but at Westminster when you can see the whites of his eyes he always votes for the Tory line.”
