RISHI TARGETS SAGA VOTES TO WIN ELECTION

PM reaches out to the 26 million over-50s, saying 'I'm on your side'

- David Williamson

• Shocking rise in middle-aged still struggling to get on housing ladder

RISHI Sunak is on a full-throttle mission to improve the lives of over-50s who hold the key to winning the next general election.

The Prime Minister has reached out to the “Saga generation” with ministers working on a raft of policies aimed at middle-aged voters in Red Wall seats.

He wants to unlock new job opportunities, boost healthcare, help with personal finances and put “money back into people’s pockets”.

And in a direct message to 26 million people last night, he said: “I’m on your side.”

His pledge comes as new figures reveal a 29 per cent rise in the number of over-50s buying their first home.

The Conservatives are locked in a fierce battle with Sir Keir Starmer for the support of older voters in former Labour strongholds won over by Boris Johnson.

In today’s Sunday Express, Mr Sunak sets out his determination to deliver for this crucial age group.

He wants to harness their “energy, wisdom and experience” and a personal priority is addressing the suffering endured by many after the pandemic. The PM told us: “The over-50s can judge me by my actions – I’m on your side. But the job’s not done and there’s more I want to do.”

Mr Sunak’s chances of staying in power could be transformed if his work to bring down inflation results in lower mortgage costs for this core group of voters.

“The over-50s have tons of energy, wisdom and experience, but have suffered particularly from the effects of the pandemic,” the Prime Minister said.