The Labour’s leader’s appeal stretches far beyond millennials. His beliefs resonate with Generation X and older people too
Whatever people think of Jeremy Corbyn’s supporters, it’s probably fair to say there is an assumption that they are young. That has been the frame since he was elected leader of the Labour party a year ago – the idea that millennials previously turned off by politics were now thronging to the party.
Explaining the rise of old white male socialists in politics – Corbyn in Britain, Bernie Sanders in the US– the millennial focus makes some sense. Both politicians speak squarely to this young demographic, with policies such as the abolition of university tuition fees, universal healthcare or affordable housing (as Corbyn raised in today’s prime minister’s questions). Both understand that this generation is hobbled by neoliberal policies.
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