Low Welsh voter turnout appalling, says Kinnock

Neil Kinnock and Keir Starmer celebrate after Labour's general election win

Former Labour leader Neil Kinnock said the low turnout in parts of Wales in last week's general election was “appalling”.

In Wales, only 56% of voters filled out their ballot papers, compared to 60% across the UK, and 67% in Wales last time out in 2019.

Despite winning the majority of seats, Labour's vote share in Wales actually dropped, down from 40% to 37%.

Lord Kinnock told Radio Wales Breakfast that the party is “deeply concerned” about the issue.

"The fact that the vote share was down and in some places, several places, the turnout was appalling and deeply worrying, it is a cause for real concern and that has to be addressed," he said.

He said he has spoken to candidates that are "deeply concerned" by the low turnout in "so many constituencies."

Wales saw the biggest fall in voter turnout in Britain - compared with Scotland and all English regions.

Only Yorkshire and Humber had a lower turnout (55.7%) and every Welsh constituency saw a decline compared to the previous election.

Lord Kinnock fought two elections as leader of Labour, in 1987 and 1992

In an emotional moment, Lord Kinnock, whose son Stephen Kinnock is the MP for Aberavon and Maesteg, said his grandparents had fought for the right to vote.

“My grandmother was nearly forty years of age when she got her first vote. It’s that recent," he said.

“Our grandparents and parents were part of generations that were victimised, that had to stand up for their rights.”

He added that Sir Keir Starmer told him after the election victory that the party will now "get on with it".

“What you see is actually what you get. He’s got a good sense of humour," said Lord Kinnock.

"He loves his wife and kids, he’s part of a community, he’s an approachable, natural, normal guy."