Young voters are backing Jeremy Corbyn’s Labour party because of his commitment to the NHS and their belief that he genuinely cares about people, according to voters aged 18-34 who contacted the Guardian.

Funding for education and apprenticeships, improvements to public services and a reliable benefits system – specifically for disabled people and single parents – were widely highlighted as issues driving the young Labour vote. On Brexit, young voters also say they will back Corbyn because they believe he will strike the best deal for ordinary people.

Corbyn's policies will benefit the many, not the few Daniel

Keiron, 22, a part-time student from north Wales, is a passionate Labour supporter. He has two sisters with disabilities, and relatives who are reliant on the NHS for cancer treatment. Although he admits having some misgivings over Corbyn’s leadership, he says he will definitely vote Labour.



“It is clear to me that David Cameron and Theresa May run this country as their own personal bank, allowing for their friends and the wealthy to come out on top. I have spent the last two years counting pennies, visiting food banks and being without heat; Theresa May just doesn’t care,” he says.

“I cannot cope under this government any more and the thought that we will all suffer for another five years terrifies me.”

The latest Guardian/ICM poll shows that 25-34-year-olds join the 18-24 age bracket and students – as well as black and minority ethnic voters – are the key groups Corbyn can expect to find strong support among.

Daniel, 24, from Salford, says Corbyn is genuine and a refreshing change to politicians, including Theresa May, who are “nothing without a script”.

Jeremy Corbyn, leader of Britain’s opposition Labour Party, poses for a selfie at a campaign event in Reading. Photograph: Peter Nicholls/Reuters

“[Corbyn’s] a man of his word, his voting record speaks for itself and his priorities and policies will actually benefit the many, and not the few. May has consistently failed to deliver on a variety of different promises,” he says.

“Health is one of the most unpredictable things on the planet. Labour are a party who built the NHS and I believe they can save it. If we continue down the path we’re on, there’s no telling how long the public health service can survive.”

Tax the rich instead of austerity! Emily

Jessica, 22, a part-time student and retail worker from Hull, voted for the Green party in 2015 but will back Labour in June. As a disabled person with ongoing health issues, she says she owes “her life to the hard workers of the NHS”, despite having access to private healthcare.



“I know people with similar issues as mine, and worse, who are not so lucky. I believe Labour under Corbyn are the party to save this wonderful service,” she says.

The majority of Labour voters aged 18-35 who responded to the Guardian echoed Jessica’s position: they would support any party whose policies aim to create a more equal society.

Emily, 19, says she wants a party that does not target vulnerable people, which she believes is happening under the Conservatives. Equal rights and progressive policies on immigration are key issues behind her vote.

“Tax the rich instead of austerity! My mother is disabled and has severe mental health problems. If the Tories go on to privatise it she will stand no chance,” she says. “Why take it out on the most vulnerable of the population?”

I think the EU will go easier on us in trade deals if we elect a new leader that isn’t as desperate for a deal that only benefits themselves Gaia

According to polling data from YouGov, 75% of 18-24-year-olds voted to remain in the EU. This was echoed in the responses to our callout.

Gaia, 23, a trainee estate agent who lives in Liverpool, says that although he did not vote labour, Corbyn will best manage Brexit negotiations by making sure they work for the benefit of everyone.

“I would have still voted Labour if we were staying in the EU, but I think the EU will go easier on us in trade deals if we elect a new leader that isn’t as desperate for a deal that only benefits themselves,” he says.

Simon Glenn, 34, who works in professional services, did not vote in the 2015 election. He says Corbyn is the first politician in a long time to reignite his interest in politics, and says this should be reflected more in the media.



“I’ve become severely disenfranchised against both the political system and media coverage. I’ve voted Liberal Democrat or the Green party, but Labour and Corbyn are the only realistic opportunity for change, despite the Conservatives trying to portray him as a loser,” he says.

“He may not be the right answer but he’s the best one we have today.”