More than 6,000 people in Ealing have dropped off the electoral register since 2010, according to Labour Party research.

Those most affected include some of the 10,200 young people aged between 18 and 20 in the borough, including students and those living in the private rented sector.

Thousands of young people in Ealing could find it more difficult to vote in the General Election, on May 7, following reforms to voter registration. The reforms, designed to prevent electoral fraud, require voters to register individually.

There are over 3,000 students aged 18 to 20 at the local University of West London and, following the changes, the university cannot register students collectively.

Hanwell resident and first-time voter Tom Devlin, 19, said: "I think it’s important to vote because it’s one of the ways you can truly change the country and have someone who represents you when decisions are being made."

In the run-up to the General Election issues affecting young people, such as a lack of affordable housing, tuition fees and rises in the cost of living, have featured heavily.