A FUEL IF YOU THINK IT'S OVER

Members rattle Starmer with pensioner cut vote

- ASHLEY COWBURN

KEIR Starmer was embarrassed by Labour Conference members yesterday after they called on him to reverse the cut to winter fuel payments for pensioners.

They voted through a motion demanding the Prime Minister abandon the decision to axe the £300 help for all but the poorest elderly people.

While non-binding, it will pile pressure on the new government.

It was put forward by Unite - one of Labour's biggest union backers - and the Communication Workers Union.

Receiving a standing ovation, Unite's general secretary Sharon Graham said: "I do not understand how our new Labour government can cut the winter fuel allowance for pensioners and leave the super-rich untouched.

"This is not what people voted for.

It is the wrong decision and needs to be reversed." Alan Tate, of the CWU, said the payment cut had overshadowed the work of the new Labour government.