DORSET’S MPs were divided over Labour’s plans to cut the winter fuel allowance for pensioners. 

The Conservative’s motion to annul the government’s cuts to winter fuel payments was defeated by 348 votes to 228, majority 120, in the House of Commons on Tuesday afternoon, September 10. 

Liberal Democrat MP for North Dorset and Mid Poole Vikki Slade voted in favour of the Tories’ motion as well as Christchurch MP Chris Chope and Simon Hoare (North Dorset). 

Labour’s Jessica Toale, Bournemouth West MP, Tom Hayes, Bournemouth East MP, and South Dorset MP Lloyd Hatton voted with their party to axe the winter fuel payment regulations. 

Poole MP Neil Duncan-Jordan, a critic of his government’s position on the winter fuel payments, is believed to have not recorded a vote. 

Having no vote recorded does not necessarily mean that an MP actively chose to abstain – for example, some may be unable to attend due to other commitments. 

Sir Keir Starmer has faced criticism from unions and some Labour MPs over the policy, which will see all but the country’s poorest pensioners stripped of the winter fuel payment. 

Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced the squeeze in July as part of a series of measures aimed at filling what she called a £22 billion “black hole” in the public finances. 

Sir Keir said: “If you’re asking whether I recognise it’s a tough decision I absolutely recognise the tough decision.  

“If you’re asking, would I want to make this decision, the answer is no, but I did not want to inherit a £22 billion black hole, and I’m not prepared to walk past that.” 

It comes as the full state pension is set to rise by £460 from next April, according to official wage figures released on Tuesday.