The Tories should consider giving 16 and 17-year-olds the vote in an effort to counter the threat of Ukip and appeal to a new generation of support, according to former home office minister Damian Green.
Mr Green warned that moving towards Ukip's agenda would "turn off millions of potential supporters" and instead the Tories should attempt to broaden their appeal to young adults and people from ethnic minorities.
Mr Green said young voters were "relaxed about drugs, sex, alcohol and different family structures" but were not in favour of high taxation or "being told how to live their lives" - presenting an opportunity for modernising Conservatives.
His call comes just days after Scottish Conservative leader Ruth Davidson attempted to convince Tory MPs about the merits of such a move.
The Smith Commission is due today to pave the way for the age group to vote in all Holyrood elections, possibly even in 2016.
Mr Green is considered to be on the left of the party.
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