In the latest parliamentary showdown, Sir Keir Starmer successfully saw off a backbench rebellion over plans to cut the winter fuel allowance, with the Government's majority falling to 120.
MPs voted 348 to 228 to axe the payment for all but the country's poorest pensioners, rejecting a Tory bid for the controversial policy to be blocked.
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Newly elected MP for Montgomeryshire & Glyndwr, Steve Witherden, voted with the government in voting down the blocking motion.
In a statement, he expressed understanding for his constituents’ concerns regarding the financial impact and the need for alternatives to the cut.
He said:
"I know and understand the strength of feeling from constituents on this issue. I also know that they are not naïve to the fact that the government has inherited an untenable financial situation from 14 years of Conservative mismanagement. Independent civil servants have publicly confirmed that the Conservatives had not budgeted for continuing the allowance this coming winter."
"While difficult decisions do need to be made, constituents have rightly argued that there are many viable alternatives open to the government – including expanding Pension Credit, phasing implementation, and creating a pensioner poverty taskforce."
"I wrote to the chancellor yesterday raising these alternatives, as well as signing a motion expressing concern that the measure was introduced without an impact assessment, nor with enough time to promote the take-up of Pension Credit."
"I have made clear that the implementation of this measure should be delayed. Given our lamentable financial inheritance, however, the government is right to target winter fuel payments to those who need it, rather than spending taxpayer money on those who accept that they themselves do not."
"Pensioner poverty is a scourge. I will be working with colleagues to put in place a comprehensive fuel poverty strategy to address health inequalities among older people and ensure that those who most need support will continue to receive it."
Number 10 had remained resolute in their decision to uphold the cut, citing the significant financial deficit inherited from previous administrations. Ministers argued that the £22 billion budget shortfall necessitated trimming the winter fuel allowance to targeted beneficiaries.
Despite government justifications, some backbenchers expressed reservations about the impact of the cut. Criticisms arose over potentially leaving millions of pensioners without essential support for energy bills, with eligibility tied to means-tested benefits.
Meanwhile, official wage figures released on Tuesday revealed that the full state pension is set to rise by £460 from next April, providing a glimmer of relief amidst the heated debate over winter fuel allowance.
