Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon will demand a pledge today from Prime Minister David Cameron for powers enabling 16 and 17-year-olds to vote in Scottish elections.

She said the issue was a “key early test” of Westminster’s commitment to delivering the additional powers proposed by the Smith Commission.

Speaking ahead of their first face-to-face meeting since she became First Minister, Ms Sturgeon said: “Giving 16 and 17-year-olds the vote for the independence referendum is widely seen as having been a huge success, which added to the unprecedented democratic engagement of the campaign and the massive turnout.”

She called for “swift action” to make sure the powers were transferred in time to allow youngsters to have a vote in the next Holyrood election in May 2016.

“Any delay by Westminster in taking forward the necessary steps could see them deprived of a vote — but I am very confident that will not happen.”