OLDER voters in our region could sway the balance of this year’s much anticipated General Election, according to new research.

Age UK says voters over the age of 55 would hold the majority of votes in more than half the seats across Yorkshire.

The research by Leicester’s De Montfort University claimed so-called “grey majorities” were held in 94 highly marginal seats including the York Outer and Thirsk and Malton constituencies.

Speaking for Age UK, the new charity combining Age Concern England and Help the Aged, charity director Michelle Mitchell, said the figures showed the grey vote could not be underestimated.

“This research shows that older people’s votes in Yorkshire cannot be taken for granted,” she said.

“Just as with all ages, the over-60s care about a variety of issues and their decisions are based on families, hopes and worries for the future.”

The research is part of Age UK’s Our Power Is Our Number campaign which calls on local candidates to commit to key election pledges to improve the lives of older people.

These pledges include a reform of the social care system, improving pensions and the NHS, ending forced retirement and enabling older people to play a greater role in society.

Ms Mitchell said: “An ageing society presents tremendous opportunities that should rightly be celebrated, yet at the same time we have a big challenge ahead to improve the experience of later life now and for generations to come.

“Older people are fed up with second class services and we will support them to demand action from their local candidates on care, age discrimination, the NHS and pensions.”

Julian Sturdy, Conservative candidate for York Outer, said his party was looking to improve pensions for the elderly. He said: “The Conservative party is already proposing a fairer deal for everyone, linking pensions to earnings and freezing council tax.”

Madeleine Kirk, his Liberal Democrat rival, said: “I’m one of the residents of York Outer who is over 55. A lot of older people are able and willing to work so we feel there should be no compulsory retirement age.”

Labour’s James Alexander said: “I am in favour of the removal of the compulsory retirement age, and my party is keen to restore the link between pensions and earnings. I think that will be a key deciding issue.”