New MP explains vote to end winter fuel payments

Montgomeryshire & Glyndwr MP Steve Witherden has explained why he made the unpopular decision to back his Labour party’s plan to scrap winter payments for pensioners, which was passed in Parliament this afternoon.

In what was Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s first major challenge since his Labour party swept to power in July, the controversial move was backed by a total of 348 MPs, with 228 supporting the opposition motion.

But 53 Labour MPs didn’t vote in today's motion - including Cabinet minister Hilary Benn and veteran Labour MP Diane Abbott.

However, Mr Witherden, who ended the Conservative grip on Montgomeryshire this summer, has come forward to explain why he backed his boss, and that he wants the implementation delayed.

In a statement this afternoon, 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.”

But political rivals are already taking shots at Mr Witherden with Elwyn Vaughan, who ran for Plaid Cymru, saying: “Our MP was full of bluster during election hustings how he would stand up to the party whips - today he has failed Powys electors - put party before people.

“This is Labour cutting winter fuel payments - It’s Labour prepared to see 4,000 pensioners perish.”