Gen Z were asked how much they approve of these celebs in power and the results are weird

As Labour presses ahead with plans to lower the voting age to 16, everyone’s wondering who this extended electorate would vote for. A new poll of 500 16 and 17-year-olds by

Merlin Strategy asked 500 16 and 17-year-olds how much they approve of these celebrities in positions of power – and the poll results are telling. 

Does a US president stand a chance against YouTube stars in a popularity contest with teenagers? Well, here’s how Gen Z ranked these 11 big names from least to most liked .

Some are expected, others are less so. But, if this age group does end up voting in the next general election, at least we know who definitely won’t be fronting any campaigns:

11. Andrew Tate

via YouTube

The former kickboxer turned internet personality Andrew Tate is known for his controversial views on masculinity, feminism and just about everything else. He is currently facing charges for rape, bodily harm and human trafficking and has been banned from multiple social media platforms. Thankfully, 43 per cent of 16 and 17-year-olds strongly disapprove of him, placing him firmly in last place. Was that a collective sigh of relief?

10. Donald Trump 

via YouTube

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Now back in the White House for a second term, Trump remains one of the most recognisable political figures in the world. His brand of polarising rhetoric and chaotic press coverage has made him hard to ignore, but British teens don’t rate him despite being a walking meme. 41 per cent of teens in the survey actually strongly disapprove of him and only seven per cent strongly approved. 

9. Elon Musk 

via YouTube

Elon Musk, owner of Tesla, Space X and X (formerly Twitter), has become a divisive figure. Most recently, his public feud with Donald Trump drew headlines. Coupled with his questionable idea of freedom of speech, it seems he hasn’t struck a positive chord with 16 and 17-year-olds. 36 per cent said they strongly disapproved and 15 per cent slightly disapprove, with only 13 per cent slightly approving and only eight per cent strongly approving. 

8. Charli D’Amelio 

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Charli D’Amelio is TikTok royalty and became one of the most followed people on the platform after rising to fame for her dance videos. Now doing brand deals and reality shows, it seems her influence is fading amongst the British teen demographic with only eight per cent declaring they “strongly approve” of her. Does this mark the end of the era of TikTok dances? Gone are the days she’d rank as one of the top celebrities to be in power. 

7. Piers Morgan

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As a media personality, journalist and serial pot stirrer, Piers Morgan is no stranger to controversy. While many find him exhausting, some teens clearly enjoy the drama as he lands in the middle of this list. Slightly too high for comfort, perhaps? 

The most common answer on Piers was neither approve not disapprove, with 26 per cent of voters being stuck in the middle. 19 per cent slightly disapproved however, and 17 per cent slightly approved.

6. James Corden

via YouTube

James’ US success brought him global fame, but his return to the UK has been met with a frosty reception. At one point it even felt like the nation was weighing up whether to let him back in. It seems all those years of carpool karaoke had left him feeling a bit too Hollywood for some. Still, 16 and 17-year-olds can’t resist the charm of Gavin and Stacey’s Smithy and he lands mid-table here, with the largest amount of votes being neither approve nor disapprove at 32 per cent. 

5. Taylor Swift

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With her Eras tour breaking records and her albums topping charts globally, Taylor Swift is one of the biggest pop stars right now. 

A solid ranking for someone who’s been at the top of the music game for nearly their whole lives.

4. KSI

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A founding member of YouTube group the Sidemen which is huge with teens, KSI has built an empire that spans gaming, music, boxing, and energy drinks. With the reigns of the Prime drink frenzy and a massive online following, it’s not surprising he’s this high on the list. 

3. Jeremy Clarkson

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Once best known for his antics on Top Gear, he now appears on our screens moaning about farming on Clarkson’s Farm, a show that’s quickly become a Gen Z favourite. On A-Level Results Day he offers his annual Tweet of assurance to those disappointed. He’s still grumpy, but apparently that’s part of the charm for 16 and 17-year-olds. 

12 per cent of surveyed teens said they strongly approve of Jeremy Clarkson, whilst 20 per cent slightly approved.

2. Mr Beast

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Jimmy Donaldson, aka Mr Beast, is YouTube’s biggest star, famous for giving away money and staging absurd challenges in his videos. He ranked a one of the top celebrities to be in power, according to the 500 surveyed teenagers. As YouTube’s golden boy, no wonder teens think he’s top tier. 

1. Greta Thunberg

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Out of all the celebrities they want to see in power, climate activist Greta Thunberg tops the list, with 27 per cent of teens in the survey saying they “strongly approve” of her. Greta’s been a global voice for environmental action since her early teens, skipping school to protest and addressing world leaders. She’s also the only one on this list who’s roughly their age. Even as climate change ranks surprisingly low on this age group’s list of political priorities, Greta herself takes the spot for highest approval. 

While this might seem chaotic, there’s no need for panic. 49 per cent of 16 and 17-year-olds polled said they don’t even want the vote right now, and fewer still (18 per cent) said they would use it. So, for now, politicians can rest easy. Clarkson isn’t coming for their seats… yet.

Featured image via Instagram @taylorswift @mrbeast @ksi