The one Labour MP brave enough to stand up to Starmer and Reeves over winter fuel payment
Only one Labour MP voted against the government’s cut to winter fuel payments on Tuesday, as MPs gathered in Parliament to vote to remove the benefit for all but the country’s poorest pensioners.
A Conservative Party move to block the measure was defeated by 348 to 228 – with Labour being backed by 120 votes despite the party holding in Parliament a majority of 167.
MP Jon Trickett was the only Labour member to rebel against the government while no vote was recorded for 52 Labour MPs.
The MP said that he “could not in good conscience vote to make my constituents poorer”, and that he will sleep well tonight.
Shouts of “shame” were heard in the Commons as the result was announced, meaning that the benefit will now be means tested, leaving many without support to heat their homes this winter.
Jon Trickett was the only Labour MP to rebel, as 52 abstained (Image: Getty
Political commentator Lewis Goodall claimed that some Labour MPs had cried in the voting chamber, as many supported the government in spite of the resentment towards the measure and the effect it could have on pensioners.
Genuine concerns reportedly emerged amongst senior figures in the Labour Party that the measure could severely weaken the Prime Minister’s authority less than 100 days after he swept to power.
Eight ministers were among those who abstained on the vote, despite them being expected to vote with the government.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced the removal of the allowance as she attempts to plug what she describes as a “£22 billion black hole” in the country’s finances.
Rachel Reeves claims that the policy is vital to address a “£22 billion black-hole” (Image: Getty)
The policy is expected to save the government approximately £1billion but could come at a significant cost to the government in terms of not only public support but support amongst Labour MPs too.
Some Labour MPs had already joined charities such as Age UK in asking the government to reconsider the policy that had been a universal benefit to pensioners since Tony Blair was Prime Minister.
Speaking on X, Mr Trickett said: “The winter fuel payment was a great Labour achievement. When it was introduced by Gordon Brown in 1997, I was proud to vote for it.
“Our country is richer than it ever has been, but the wealth is not shared fairly. In my view the government should be looking to raise revenues from the wealthiest in society, not working class pensioners.”
Tony Blair’s Chancellor introduced the universal benefit in 1997 (Image: Getty)
Mr Trickett rebelled in full knowledge of the tacit threat of the Labour whip being removed as a result.
In July, Keir Starmer removed the whip from seven MPs who voted against the government over the Prime Minister’s refusal to scrap the two-child benefit cap.
Five of those seven again voted against the government this afternoon.
