Rishi Sunak and Tory MPs at risk of election wipe out could keep seats over voter ID confusion, poll suggests

New voting rules requiring people to provide one of 22 forms of ID resulted in 14,000 individuals being turned away from polling booths in the 2023 local elections.

Rishi Sunak and other high-profile Conservatives could keep their seats because of voter ID confusion in the next general election, a new poll suggests.

The government passed legislation in 2022 requiring Britons to show photo ID despite warnings it would prevent thousands from voting.

The new rules came into force last year – with a choice of one of 22 forms of ID in order to vote – but resulted in 14,000 individuals being turned away from polling booths in the 2023 local elections.

While recent surveys suggest the Tories could in the general election, campaigning organisation Best for Britain said the lack of awareness about voter ID laws could prove “decisive” in some MPs keeping their constituencies.

The group’s chief executive Naomi Smith said: “While polls suggest it won’t be enough to change the result of the next general election, the introduction of unnecessary photo ID could be the difference between victory and defeat for high profile Conservatives in marginal constituencies.”

ACCEPTED FORMS OF PHOTO ID

Passport issued by the UK, any of the Channel Islands, the Isle of Man, a British Overseas Territory, an EEA state or a Commonwealth country (including an Irish Passport Card)

Driving licence issued by the UK, any of the Channel Islands, the Isle of Man, or an EEA state (this includes a provisional driving licence)

A Blue Badge

Older Person’s Bus Pass funded by the UK Government

Disabled Person’s Bus Pass funded by the UK Government

60+ London Oyster Photocard funded by Transport for London

Freedom Pass

Scottish National Entitlement Card issued for the purpose of concessionary travel (including a 60+, disabled or under 22s bus pass)

60 and Over Welsh Concessionary Travel Card

Disabled Person’s Welsh Concessionary Travel Card

Senior SmartPass issued in Northern Ireland

Registered Blind SmartPass or Blind Person’s SmartPass issued in Northern Ireland

War Disablement SmartPass issued in Northern Ireland

60+ SmartPass issued in Northern Ireland

Half Fare SmartPass issued in Northern Ireland

Identity card bearing the Proof of Age Standards Scheme hologram (a PASS card)

Biometric immigration document

Ministry of Defence Form 90 (Defence Identity Card)

National identity card issued by an EEA state

Electoral Identity Card issued in Northern Ireland

Voter Authority Certificate

Anonymous Elector’s Document

According to a March survey on behalf of Best for Britain, the Conservative Party is projected to win 98 seats based on current polling, with the prime minister, Jeremy Hunt and Liz Truss set to see majorities in their constituencies cut to less than 5%.

However the poll, which surveyed 15,000 people, showed that 16% of respondents did not know they would need ID to vote.

By Dylan Donnelly, news reporter