YOUNG people in Southampton got the chance to quiz candidates from the three major parties as part of a “politics day” to encourage increased turnout among 18- to 25- year-olds.

Southampton candidates Alan Whitehead, Jeremy Moulton and David Goodhall paid a visit to the city’s Fairbridge youth charity centre to discuss topics from jobs and discrimination to green policies and education. Youngsters also called to see more policemen on the beat. A mock vote before and after the questions swung from Labour to Tory.

Naz, 21, said: “After speaking to the candidates I don’t think that politicians are focused enough on young people like me. It’s made me more aware that I need to be involved in politics, through voting or campaigning, if I want to get my voice heard.”

The visit comes as a think-tank said the case for 16- and 17-year-olds to be given the vote was “stronger than ever”. Demos said that, if they could, 41 per cent would vote Labour, 30 per cent would vote Tory and 21 per cent would vote Liberal Democrat.