Badenoch and Jenrick surge as Stride knocked out of Tory leadership race

Four candidates remain in the race: James Cleverly, Kemi Badenoch, Robert Jenrick and Tom Tugendhat
Four candidates remain in the race: James Cleverly, Kemi Badenoch, Robert Jenrick and Tom Tugendhat

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Robert Jenrick and Kemi Badenoch surged in the second round of the Tory leadership contest as Mel Stride was eliminated from the race to succeed Rishi Sunak.

Mr Jenrick topped the ballot of Conservative MPs for the second consecutive week as he gained five backers to register 33 votes.

Mrs Badenoch, the shadow housing secretary, gained the most support with six new votes, taking her up to 28.

Tom Tugendhat and James Cleverly both recorded 21 votes as Mr Stride, the shadow work and pensions secretary, exited the contest with 16 backers.

The remaining four hopefuls will address the party faithful at the Conservatives’ annual conference at the start of next month.

They are expected to have the opportunity to give 20-minute stump speeches, as well as taking part in a question-and-answer session with members.

The so-called “beauty parade” will be followed by two further rounds of MP voting in early October before members ultimately decide between the final two candidates.

Robert Jenrick
Robert Jenrick remains out in front in the Conservative leadership contest - Ryan Jenkinson/Parsons Media

In a television interview minutes after his second-round victory was announced, Mr Jenrick vowed to provide strong opposition to Sir Keir Starmer’s Government “from day one”.

“The message that I’ve been delivering I think is resonating with my colleagues here in Parliament, members and indeed the public – it’s one of change,” he told Sky News.

“I believe the Conservative Party should fiercely defend the things we got right in office, but we should also be painfully honest about the mistakes we’ve made.”

Mr Jenrick singled out the Prime Minister’s “terrible” decision to cut winter fuel payments for around 10 million pensioners, which cleared the Commons on Tuesday.

“That is an unfair choice and is exactly why my party needs to step up, provide strong opposition from day one and begin to rebuild the public’s trust,” he added.

Asked whether he was confident he would proceed to the members’ vote, Mr Jenrick replied: “I think we have a clear path to the final two but there’s still a mountain to climb.

“So we won’t take anything for granted, we’re going to work extremely hard over the rest of this month and I’m looking forward to getting back to my home city of Birmingham for the party conference and setting out my vision for our party and for our country.”

Meanwhile, Mrs Badenoch said she would be capable of “cutting through” as leader of the opposition and promised to fix Britain’s “broken political system”.

She wrote on X, formerly Twitter: “I’m grateful to be in the top two and to have won the most new votes at this round. I’m also excited to take my campaign to conference.

“We need a leader who can cut through in opposition and defeat Labour and Reform.

“Most importantly, we need someone with conviction, strength of purpose and the knowledge to rewire our broken political system. That’s what I’ll be showing in Birmingham later this month.”

Kemi Badenoch
Kemi Badenoch said the Tories needed a leader who can 'cut through in opposition' - Leon Neal/Getty Images

A spokesman for Mrs Badenoch said she was the candidate with the momentum going into conference and that she was “putting on votes from across the party”.

“The Conservatives need a leader with the star power to cut through, take the fight to Labour and lead us back to government [and] Kemi is that leader,” the spokesman said.

Mrs Badenoch has the backing of more than one-third of the shadow cabinet, whose support is sought-after because they are the most influential Conservative MPs.

Ten out of 29 shadow cabinet ministers have publicly endorsed Mrs Badenoch, while Mr Jenrick has the backing of three.

James Cleverly
James Cleverly is the only contender who did not increase the number of MPs backing him - Carl Court/Getty Images

Mr Cleverly, the only candidate not to increase his number of MP backers on Tuesday night, declared he was “proud” to be in the final four.

“We must unite our party with Conservative values, and take the fight to Labour,” he said.

Sources in Mr Tugendhat’s camp said the contest remained in play and the shadow security minister would go into conference with a significant amount of momentum.

Tom Tugendhat
Sources close to Tom Tugendhat said the contest remained in play - Ryan Jenkinson / Parsons Media

Mr Stride sprung a surprise by beating Dame Priti Patel into the final five, and the support of his backers is likely to prove crucial in the last two rounds of MP votes.

Attendance at this year’s Tory conference is understood to be up by around 20 per cent, with members keen to have a say on the future of their party.

All eyes will be on the speeches given by the four leadership finalists in the wake of the memorable address given by Lord Cameron in the wake of the Conservatives’ 2005 election defeat.

While David Davis had been the clear favourite to win, Lord Cameron gave a rousing speech without notes that impressed MPs and delegates alike.

His subsequent surge in popularity saw him become leader of the opposition and ultimately return the Tories to power, a path that this year’s contenders will hope to emulate.

Recap a dramatic day below, and join the conversation in the comments section.


05:58 PM BST

That’s all for today...

Thank you for joining The Telegraph's live coverage of the biggest rebellion of Sir Keir Starmer's premiership to date and the second round of the Tory leadership race.

My colleague Jack Maidment will be back early tomorrow to guide you through the day.


05:42 PM BST

Badenoch spokesman: Kemi now has the momentum

A spokesman for Kemi Badenoch's said: "Kemi has the momentum - she’s putting on votes from across the party, has more shadow cabinet backers than the other candidates combined, and the independent polling shows she is overwhelmingly the choice of the party membership.

Kemi Badenoch
Kemi Badenoch

"The Conservatives need a leader with the star power to cut through, take the fight to Labour and lead us back to government. Kemi is that leader."


05:30 PM BST

Jenrick: I’m taking nothing for granted

Robert Jenrick said Labour's deficit is "one of their own making", accusing the party of being in hock to its "union paymasters".

Asked about claims by supporters of Kemi Badenoch about a "dirty tricks" campaign, Mr Jenrick said: "We're just concentrating on persuading our colleagues here in Parliament, members in the country and the general public of the argument that I'm making about the future of our party and our country.

"And that is one of change. I believe our party has to change, we've got to be honest about the mistakes we've made, we have to defend the things we got right in office as well. But we have to now look to the future and have serious answers to the big challenges facing our country. That is the way back, that is how we gain the public's trust and confidence and that is what I'm concentrating on."

Asked if he was confident he would make the final two, Mr Jenrick said: "I think we have a clear path to the final two, but there's still a mountain to climb so we won't take anything for granted.

"We're going to work extremely hard over the rest of this month and I'm looking forward to getting back to my home city of Birmingham for the party conference and setting out my vision then for our party, for our country."


05:28 PM BST

Robert Jenrick: We need to provide strong opposition from day one

Mr Jenrick said his campaign had "worked extremely hard", adding: "The message that I've been delivering I think is resonating with my colleagues here in Parliament, members and indeed the public, it's one of change.

"I believe the Conservative Party should fiercely defend the things we got right in office but we should also be painfully honest about the mistakes we've made and begin to rebuild the public's trust, whether that's on the economy, the NHS, or immigration, the big issues facing our country.

"The public want to see us learn from our mistakes and then bring forward the serious answers to the big challenges facing the country. I think we also though have to confront the fact that just eight weeks in to this Labour government, we're seeing a Labour Government making terrible choices.

"Keir Starmer choosing today to cut the winter fuel allowances of millions of pensioners, people on incomes as low as £13,000 a year, in order to pay well-off train drivers, a £10,000 a year pay rise. That is an unfair choice and is exactly why my party needs to step up, provide strong opposition from day one and begin to rebuild the public's trust. Because we cannot have 10 years of this Labour administration."


05:26 PM BST

Jenrick: I’m incredibly grateful to my colleagues for backing message of change

Asked whether he was feeling confident after topping the ballot again, Robert Jenrick told Sky News: "I'm incredibly grateful to all of the colleagues from all wings of the Conservative Party who've supported me today.

"I'm incredibly grateful to them for the honour of their votes. And the message that I have put across so far in this campaign is change, changing the Conservative Party to restore the public's trust and confidence in us and begin the process of getting back into contention.

"I'm incredibly grateful that people have listened to that, responded to that and are supporting it."


05:22 PM BST

Cleverly: Stride is a big part of our party’s future


05:21 PM BST

Tugendhat praises Stride’s campaign ‘all Conservatives can be proud of’


05:17 PM BST

Kemi Badenoch: I will show my strength at party conference

Kemi Badenoch vowed to "cut through in opposition" and fix Britain's "broken political system" as she advanced to the final four of the Tory leadership race.

Ms Badenoch said: "Thank you to every one of my colleagues who voted for me. I'm grateful to be in the top two and to have won the most new votes at this round. I'm also excited to take my campaign to conference.

"We need a leader who can cut through in opposition, and defeat Labour and Reform.

"Most importantly, we need someone with conviction, strength of purpose and the knowledge to rewire our broken political system. That’s what I'll be showing in Birmingham later this month."


05:14 PM BST

Labour: No Tory hopefuls are cut out for the job

Labour has claimed none of the remaining Tory leadership candidates are "cut out for the job" as they blamed all four of the hopefuls for "14 years of chaos and decline".

A Labour spokesman said: "The Tories whittled down a list of five people who played key roles in 14 years of chaos and decline, to four people who played key roles in 14 years of chaos and decline.

"Their failure to take responsibility for the mess they made, demonstrates that none of these candidates are cut out for the job.

"They've learnt nothing from their mistakes, and as they continue to fight amongst themselves, Labour is getting on with the job of fixing the terrible inheritance they left behind."


05:13 PM BST

How the vote compared to last week’s ballot

Robert Jenrick 33 (+5)

Kemi Badenoch 28 (+6)

James Cleverly 21 (-)

Tom Tugendhat 21 (+4)

Mel Stride 16 (-)


05:04 PM BST

Griffith: Kemi Badenoch is what Tories need in opposition

Kemi Badenoch is what the Tories need in opposition, one of her leading backers has said.

Andrew Griffith, the shadow science secretary, told Sky: "Kemi's also picked up a lot of votes in this round against some of the expectations that people were saying.

"She's retained a solid second position, going forward to members at party conference, remembering that, in every poll, all the independent polls of members, Kemi's really cutting through and getting support.

"And really that's because they see Kemi's a strong conviction Conservative and she's got that ability to communicate well, and that's what we need in opposition."


05:03 PM BST

Jenrick stays on top in Tory leadership race as Stride knocked out

Robert Jenrick has stayed on top in the Conservative Party leadership race as Mel Stride was knocked out of the contest.

Mr Jenrick remains ahead of Kemi Badenoch, winning by 33 votes to 28.

Tom Tugendhat and James Cleverly were tied in third on 21 votes apiece.

Mr Stride, the shadow work and pensions secretary, received 16 votes and is second to exit the contest.


05:01 PM BST

Breaking: Tory leadership contest - second round results

Votes cast: 119

  • Kemi Badenoch 28

  • James Cleverly 21

  • Robert Jenrick 33

  • Mel Stride 16

  • Tom Tugendhat 21


04:56 PM BST

Coming up

In around five minutes Bob Blackman, the chairman of the 1922 Committee of Tory backbenchers, will announce the result of the second round of MP voting in the Conservative Party leadership contest.


04:44 PM BST

Conservative leadership election: who is backing whom?

Support from fellow Tory MPs is what matters in the first three rounds of the Conservative leadership race, with the five remaining candidates vying to win over their colleagues.

Kemi Badenoch, James Cleverly, Robert Jenrick, Dame Priti Patel, Tom Tugendhat and Mel Stride threw their hats into the ring and have all had MPs declare their support over the course of their campaigns.

The final two hopefuls are put to a vote of the Tory membership, but to get there they must impress the parliamentary party and undergo a series of three votes by MPs.

Dame Priti was the first candidate to be eliminated from the race, receiving just 14 votes, 14 fewer than the frontrunner Robert Jenrick.

The second elimination round takes place at 5pm, during which MPs will vote out another contender.


04:35 PM BST

The timeline that reveals Labour’s winter fuel raid hypocrisy

Labour fought against a winter fuel raid for decades before withdrawing the payments from 10 million pensioners last month.

All of the party’s manifestos going back as far as 2001 pledged to protect the benefit. But the most recent Labour manifesto failed to mention it once.

The omission fuelled speculation Chancellor Rachel Reeves’s recent decision to axe the benefit for most retirees was planned all along.

It has called into question claims her hand was forced by a £22bn “black hole” in the public finances discovered by Treasury officials after the election.

Noah Eastwood, our Money Reporter, has this piece


04:34 PM BST

Government source: Only 12 absences were unauthorised

A Government source claimed that the majority of absences were authorised, claiming that only 12 Labour MPs had unauthorised absences.


04:15 PM BST

The truth about Reeves’s better-off pensioners claim

Rachel Reeves’s suggestion that pensioners will be £1,700 better off by 2029 ignores the effects of rising prices and will not be true for millions of retirees, analysis shows.

In an article for The Telegraph, Ms Reeves said: “The full new state pension alone will be worth around £1,700 more by the time of the next election.”

The Chancellor made the claim as she sought to head off a growing rebellion over her decision to means test the winter fuel allowance.

However, the number does not take into account price rises, the fact that most claimants will get less because of their age and the reality that millions will see some of their money clawed back by the taxman, analysis shows.

Szu Ping Chan has this analysis


04:02 PM BST

Labour MP: I would have voted against the Government if I could

Bell Ribeiro-Addy, the Labour MP for Clapham and Brixton Hill, said she had been unable to attend the vote because she had been in Ghana for her father's funeral.

However, she insisted she would have defied the Government if she had been in the UK.

She said in a post on X: "For clarity, the reason I am unable to attend today's vote on winter fuel payment cuts is because I am still out of the country following my Dad's funeral in Ghana.


03:57 PM BST

IDS ‘appalled’ by vote to scrap winter fuel payments

Former Conservative leader and work and pensions secretary Sir Iain Duncan Smith said he was "appalled" by the Government's decision to scrap winter fuel payments.

"I am appalled that the first act of this Labour Government has been to announce that they will abolish the Winter Fuel Payment for millions of pensioners," Sir Iain said.

"Pensioners have earned the right to dignity and respect in retirement, and I am opposed to the Government’s plans.

"I will maintain pressure on the Government by campaigning to reverse this decision, as I know that it will impact many of my constituents in Chingford and Woodford Green."


03:50 PM BST

Starmer and Reeves accused of ‘Austerity 2.0’

Zarah Sultana, a Labour MP currently suspended over a previous rebellion (see 15:49), accused Sir Keir Starmer and Rachel Reeves of "Austerity 2.0":


03:49 PM BST

Five benefit cap rebels oppose Government again

Five Labour MPs currently suspended from the party after rebelling over the two-child benefit cap in July also voted against the Government today.

Apsana Begum, Ian Byrne, John McDonnell, Richard Burgon and Zarah Sultana all opposed Sir Keir Starmer’s decision to end winter fuel payments for 10 million people.

What that means for the five MPs at the end of their six-month suspensions remains to be seen.

The sixth and seventh MPs who were suspended, Rebecca Long-Bailey and Imran Hussain, appear to have abstained today.


03:45 PM BST

Age UK ‘deeply disappointed, but not surprised’

Age UK has said it is "deeply disappointed, but not surprised" that the winter fuel payment cuts have been passed.

Caroline Abrahams, a director at the charity, said: "We're deeply disappointed, but not surprised, that the vote to brutally means-test winter fuel payments was passed today.

"As soon as the Government announced it was instructing its MPs to support it this was the inevitable result, but we would like to thank all those in every party who voted against the policy or abstained."

Ms Abrahams added: "It is crystal clear that there is insufficient time to make any serious impact on the miserably low take-up of Pension Credit before the cold sets in this autumn, and the Government has brought forward no effective measures to support all those whose tiny occupational pensions take them just above the line to claim...

"The reality is that driving through this policy as the Government is doing will make millions of poor pensioners poorer still and we are baffled as to why some ministers are asserting that this is the right thing to do.

"Winter is coming and we fear it will be a deeply challenging one for millions of older people who have previously relied on their winter fuel payment to help pay their energy bills and who have no obvious alternative source of funds on which to draw."


03:38 PM BST

Jon Trickett: I could not make my constituents poorer

This from Jon Trickett, the only Labour MP to vote against Sir Keir Starmer's winter fuel payments cuts:


03:36 PM BST

53 Labour MPs stay away from winter fuel vote

Sir Keir Starmer has suffered biggest revolt of premiership over his Government’s winter fuel payment cuts as dozens of Labour MPs abstained.

The cut to winter fuel payments for 10 million pensioners will go again in the coming months after Sir Keir saw off an attempt by opposition MPs to scrap the policy.

MPs voted by 348 to 228 against a Conservative motion to reverse the cut, but 53 Labour MPs did not record a vote.

This does not mean that all 53 abstained, as some will have been paired with Tory MPs unable to make the vote. Only one Labour MP, Jon Trickett, voted against the Government.

The Government has decided to make the payments means-tested instead of universal to save money and help fill a £22 billion “black hole” in the public finances. Only pensioners in receipt of pension credit will be eligible.


03:27 PM BST

Lib Dems: Winter fuel vote will leave pensioners ‘deeply worried’

The Liberal Democrats vowed to continue fighting the cut to winter fuel payments "tooth and nail".

Wendy Chamberlain, the party's work and pensions spokesperson, said: "Millions of pensioners will be left deeply worried about how they will get by this winter with this cut to the winter fuel payment. So many pensioners are already facing another winter of a cost of living crisis and this will make things worse.

“The damage left by the Conservatives to our economy is unforgivable but cutting payments to vulnerable pensioners is no way to bring about the change the country deserves.

“Liberal Democrat MPs proudly opposed the Government today and stood up for the many pensioners across the country who are now at risk of an even bigger winter cost of living crisis.

"We’ll keep fighting this cut tooth and nail anyway we can, we’ll continue to be a constructive opposition to the new Government and we’re fighting for the real change people want to see.”


03:23 PM BST

How big of a Labour rebellion has Starmer suffered?

The division list for the vote on winter fuel payments should be released by the House of Commons shortly.

Sir Keir Starmer was expected to suffer a Labour rebellion, with reports suggesting that dozens of his backbenchers could abstain.

We shouldn't have to wait too long to get the official picture.


03:17 PM BST

Opposition MPs shout ‘shame’ as winter fuel payment cut goes ahead

Opposition MPs were audibly angry after the attempt to stop the winter fuel payment cut was defeated.

A number of MPs shouted “shame” in the direction of the Government benches after the result of the vote was announced.


03:16 PM BST

Starmer defeats attempt to scrap winter fuel payment cut

Sir Keir Starmer’s cut to winter fuel payments will go ahead after the Government defeated an attempt by opposition MPs to reverse the policy.

MPs voted by 348 to 228 against a Tory motion to reverse the cut.


03:00 PM BST

MPs now voting on winter fuel payment cut

MPs are now voting on a motion to scrap the Government's cut to winter fuel payments.

We should get the result in about 15 minutes.

Sir Keir Starmer is expected to win the vote and defeat the motion but he is also expected to suffer a Labour revolt, with some of his own MPs likely to abstain.


02:52 PM BST

Minister defends cut to winter fuel payments and accuses Tories of ‘faux outrage’

Liz Kendall said making winter fuel payments means-tested was a "difficult decision" for the Government.

The Work and Pensions Secretary told the House of Commons as this afternoon's debate approached its end: "We must fix the foundations of our economy as the first step to rebuilding Britain and making the changes our country desperately needs and because when money is tight our priority must be to target resources on those who need it most."

She accused Tory MPs of showing "faux outrage" over the decision.


02:49 PM BST

John McDonnell: I will vote to scrap winter fuel payment cut

John McDonnell said he will vote with the Tories to try to stop the cut to winter fuel payments.

Mr McDonnell, the former shadow chancellor, was one of seven Labour MPs who were stripped of the whip for six months in July after rebelling over the two-child benefits cap.

The now independent MP told the House of Commons: "I just think we are in an unnecessary position when there is so much else we could be doing. We don't need to put it on the burden of the poorest."

He added: "I regret voting for a motion put forward by these characters [the Tories] but I will have to because there is no other mechanism and I say to my people back in Hayes, I want to look at them in the face and say I did the right thing.,"


02:39 PM BST

Labour MP urges Government to delay and rethink winter fuel cut

Rachael Maskell, a Labour MP who has repeatedly expressed concerns about the cut to winter fuel payments,  said that the Treasury had choices about how to balance the books but poor pensioners often have "no choice".

She said for many pensioners the "sums aren't adding up" and "they are telling us they are frightened" ahead of the winter months because they fear receiving heating bills they will be unable to pay.

Ms Maskell said she could not vote for the policy and urged the Government to delay its introduction to allow for a rethink.


02:26 PM BST

Labour ‘declaring war on pensioners’, claims Esther McVey

Esther McVey, the Tory former Cabinet minister, said the cut to winter fuel payments was the result of a "cynical political calculation" by Labour.

Ms McVey said that Sir Keir Starmer and his Government were "out of touch with the public" and the cut was a "cruel policy".

She accused the Government of having "declared war on pensioners".

She told the House of Commons: "The Chancellor should be under no illusion that the public knows this decisio0nto rob millions of pensioners of the winter fuel allowance, for which the Government has no mandate, has nothing to do with economics and everything to do with cynical political calculation."

She added: "By announcing the scrapping of the forthcoming and long awaited cap on care costs, as well as laying the ground to remove council tax allowance for single people, Labour has basically declared war on pensioners which will neither be forgotten or forgiven."


02:18 PM BST

Lib Dems to vote with Tories to oppose cut to winter fuel payments

Wendy Chamberlain, a Liberal Democrat MP, told the House of Commons that her party will vote for the Tory motion to stop the cut to winter fuel payments.

She said she had concluded that "there is cruelty at the heart of this cut" and with energy costs increasing this winter "arguably a winter fuel payment is needed more than it ever was".


02:10 PM BST

Senior Tory MP: Voters ‘not buying’ Labour’s claims about public finances

Senior Tory MP Alicia Kearns said the public are "not buying" the Government's argument about cutting winter fuel payments and the state of the public finances because of the big pay rises ministers recently signed off for train drivers.

Intervening on Dame Meg Hillier in the House of Commons, Ms Kearns said: "The difficulty is the public are not buying it because we are essentially saying that pensioners who are vulnerable and over 20,000 in my constituency will lose the support they are currently getting, you cannot as a government claim that you need to take this money from pensioners and then reward train drivers who work four days a week on £70,000 a year.

"This is the difficult. How is she explaining that to her constituents because I haven't been able to give an answer"

Dame Meg, a senior Labour MP replied: "Let's take the dire state of what was happening on our train services, it was this, the former government, that refused to engage and stop the strikes which meant that anybody travelling had no certainty about whether they could get to everything from work to a family funeral and lives were put in havoc because of this.

"So it is absolutely right that we begin to set right the chaos that the last government lefty and yes there is a cost to that."


02:00 PM BST

Martin Lewis: Labour plan on winter fuel payments ‘unnecessarily punitive’

The Government’s cuts to winter fuel allowance will be “unnecessarily punitive to the poorest pensioners”, Martin Lewis has warned.

The money-saving expert and founder of the Money and Health Policy Institute urged Rachel Reeves, the Chancellor, to put measures in place to ensure more retirees receive extra help, writes Dominic Penna. 

Mr Lewis told Times Radio: “If you ask me, do I support ending universality of the winter fuel payment where we’re in tough economic stretches, yes, I support ending universality.

“But do I support a very tight means testing that is also ineffective even for the poorest pensioners? No, I don’t support it. The system that’s being put in place is not fair, is not just, and it is unnecessarily punitive to the poorest pensioners, and it needs tweaking.

He added: “I don't feel particularly optimistic. I think that for some reason the government has nailed its colours to the mask on this one and said ‘we’re doing it’, and I’m worried.”


01:49 PM BST

Winter fuel cut will cause ‘untold hardship’ for millions of pensioners, says Stride

Mel Stride urged Labour MPs to "look to your conscience" and vote to stop the cut to winter fuel payments as he said the policy will lead to "untold hardship" for millions of people.

The shadow work and pensions secretary told the House of Commons: "Can I make an impassioned plea to those sitting opposite. Look to your conscience. These measures you know in your heart that these measures are wrong.

"You know in your heart that you have, the party opposite has broken their promises and that these measures are going to lead to untold hardship for millions of elderly and vulnerable people right up and down this country.

"You now have an opportunity to join with us and put a stop to it."


01:45 PM BST

Pictured: Tory MPs campaign against winter fuel payment cut

Tory MPs, including Robert Jenrick, campaign against the cut to winter fuel payments outside the Houses of Parliament today
Tory MPs, including Robert Jenrick, campaign against the cut to winter fuel payments outside the Houses of Parliament today - Thomas Krych/Story Picture Agency

01:44 PM BST

Stride: Labour ‘stood up for trade unions on the backs of pensioners’

Mel Stride claimed Labour had "stood up for the trade union paymasters on the backs of vulnerable pensioners" as he spoke against the cut to winter fuel payments.

The shadow work and pensions secretary told the House of Commons: "All politics is about choices and what this Government has done is it has caved in to its trade union paymasters, it has settled way above inflation - junior doctors 22 per cent, train drivers 14 per cent - and what it has done is it has stood up for the trade union paymasters on the backs of vulnerable pensioners.

"That is not right... if it is not the case that the trade unions are running the Labour Party, hands up everybody opposite who has not received some money from the trade unions for their campaigning."


01:40 PM BST

Labour taking ‘no responsibility’ for winter fuel cut, says Stride

Mel Stride said the "haste" shown by the Labour Government on scrapping winter fuel payments was "jaw-dropping".

The shadow work and pensions secretary told the House of Commons: "The Government of course will take no responsibility for what has happened.

"They will blame us with this fictitious black hole..."


01:35 PM BST

Stride accuses Labour of breaking promises to pensioners

Mel Stride, the shadow work and pensions secretary, said the Tories believed pensioners should have "security and dignity in their later years" as he started the debate on the decision to scrap winter fuel payments.

Mr Stride accused Labour of "broken promises already".

"This is an absurd policy which their own plans are actually actively working against," he said.


01:32 PM BST

Winter fuel debate underway in House of Commons

The debate on the Government's cut to winter fuel payments is now underway in the House of Commons.

That means a vote should be held at about 3pm.


01:19 PM BST

US to extend sanctions on Iran, says Blinken

Washington is to deepen sanctions on Iran after Tehran provided ballistic missiles to Russia, US secretary of state Antony Blinken said during a press conference with David Lammy.

He said: “The United States will be announcing further sanctions on Iran later today, including additional measures on Iran Air. We expect allies and partners will be announcing their own new measures on Iran as well.

The US has warned Iran that providing ballistic missiles to Russia to use in Ukraine would “constitute a dramatic escalation”, he said.

“Russia has now received shipments of these ballistic missiles and will likely use them within weeks in Ukraine against Ukrainians,” he said.


01:18 PM BST

Lammy and Blinken to visit Ukraine

David Lammy and Antony Blinken have announced they will travel to Ukraine this week.

It will be the first joint UK-US trip to the country as both countries seek to reaffirm their commitment to supporting Kyiv against Russia’s invasion.


01:15 PM BST

Former Labour MP claims party making ‘ideological commitment to austerity’

An MP who was stripped of the Labour whip for rebelling over the two-child benefit cap has accused the party of making an "ideological commitment to austerity", writes Amy Gibbons in Brighton. 

Apsana Begum, who is currently sitting as an independent MP, sent a video message to an event on the fringes of the TUC conference warning of a return to "Blairism".

She declared she was "proud" of her record on welfare, including her opposition to the Government's winter fuel raid.

"Kicking out the Tories from power after 14 years of brutal austerity is truly wonderful, but it does also pose serious questions regarding the consequences of Keir Starmer's position on Gaza, civil liberties, migrant rights, his attacks on democracy and Labour Party members, and his support for big business and privatisation," she said.

"The return of Blairism has been disturbing, and what I mean by that is an ideological commitment to austerity, whilst following the US in pursuing imperialism abroad and at home, pandering to the Right-wing narratives on migration, civil liberties, Islamophobia and social security."


12:48 PM BST

Cutting winter fuel payments for 10m pensioners is ‘right decision’, insists minister

There are “plenty of very wealthy pensioners” who do not need the winter fuel payment, according to a work and pensions minister.

Emma Reynolds said the Government was taking the decision to means-test the payment due to a “£22 billion black hole” in this year’s public finances “left by the previous government”.

She told a Westminster Hall debate: “She [Rachel Reeves] has been very clear that the decision about means-testing the winter fuel payment was not a decision that this Government expected to or wanted to make but given the in year overspend that we have uncovered it is a necessary one. And in protecting the poorest pensioners on the lowest incomes and with the greatest need, it is the right decision given the tough choices that we face.

“Just to be very, very clear, I have spoken to a number of [MPs] present about the Government’s decision and there actually is fairly widespread agreement that this benefit should not be universal.

“There are plenty of very wealthy pensioners who are getting transfers of £200, or £300 if they’re over 80, into their bank account and who don’t need it, so it’s right that we target this support on the poorest pensioners.”

Ms Reynolds highlighted mitigation measures introduced by the Government, including extending the Household Support Fund, and said it was a “national scandal” that the previous Conservative government had not done more to increase uptake of Pension Credit.


12:41 PM BST

Pensioners considering bus rides to stay warm this winter, MPs hear

Pensioners are considering riding on a bus in a bid to keep warm following cuts to the winter fuel payment, MPs have heard.

Liberal Democrat MP Victoria Collins said several Harpenden and Berkhamsted constituents have written to her to express concerns, with an elderly couple saying they will “slip through the net and are considering going around on a bus to keep warm in winter”.

Labour MP Rachael Maskell (York Central) welcomed Government moves to encourage more people to sign up to pension credit to ensure they receive the winter fuel payment, but said there is a “nine-week wait” once the 243-question application has been submitted.

She told a Westminster Hall debate: “Charities say it can’t be done in time, there is a reason why 37% of those eligible haven’t claimed it. It’s complex, there’s pride, some have dementia and complex needs, others simply find the thought too stressful, but please sign up.”

Ms Maskell added: “Demand on GPs sadly will rise, queues at A&Es will grow, more beds occupied in the NHS, and social care under more demand. Tragically, according to UCL and the Institute of Health Equity, there were 4,950 excess winter deaths due to cold homes under the previous government.

“I feel sick to the stomach each time I repeat this reality as I can’t process how governments past did not protect these vulnerable people. Labour must be different. We need mitigation, as we must protect those under our care or what is the point of power?”


12:37 PM BST

Telegraph readers deliver verdict on Starmer’s TUC speech

Sir Keir Starmer promised to work with trade unions to solve the UK’s problems when he addressed the TUC conference in Brighton this morning.

The Prime Minister also defended the approach his Government has taken to resolving industrial disputes by agreeing bumper pay deals for public sector workers.

Telegraph readers have been delivering their verdict on the PM’s speech in the comments section of today’s live blog.


12:29 PM BST

Blinken: UK is an ‘indispensable partner’ of US

US secretary of state Antony Blinken said the UK was an “indispensable partner” as he met David Lammy for talks in London.

Mr Blinken said at the start of their meeting: “I think what makes the relationship genuinely special and I would even say essential is that we are working hand-in-hand on all of the issues that matter most to our people, that are having biggest effect on their lives, as well as people around the world because of the impact that our two countries well beyond our own borders and beyond our own shores.

“For us the UK is the indispensable partner when it comes to the very issues that David was talking about, whether it is dealing with the Russian aggression against Ukraine, whether it is dealing with the conflict in the Middle East, whether it is dealing with the challenge posed by China and so many trans-national issues that have no respect for borders and that have a profound impact on the lives of people around the world.”


12:22 PM BST

Lammy welcomes Blinken to London for talks

David Lammy, the Foreign Secretary, has welcomed Antony Blinken, the US Secretary of State, to London for talks.

Mr Lammy said at the start of a meeting today that he wanted to strengthen UK-US relations.

“It is very special to host Antony here today and to open this new bilateral strategic dialogue together,” he said.

“In many ways it is remarkable that this is a new format, we have been close partners for a very, very long time...”

He added: “I believe that this format gives us an opportunity in a difficult, volatile, insecure world to remain strategically aligned on a whole range of issues.”

David Lammy and Antony Blinken hold talks in London today
David Lammy and Antony Blinken hold talks in London today - Mark Schiefelbein /AFP

12:19 PM BST

Unite tells Starmer: ‘Tinkering around the edges is not enough’

Sharon Graham, the Unite general secretary, warned Sir Keir Starmer that "tinkering around the edges" would not be "enough" for the unions.

Responding to the Prime Minister's speech at the TUC conference, she said: “It's clear that Britain is better under a Labour Government, however change must mean change. Tinkering around the edges is not enough.

“Labour must rule out austerity mark two and ensure we address the crisis in our crumbling public services and the lack of investment in British industry.”


12:17 PM BST

Teaching union welcomes Starmer’s partnership pledge

Patrick Roach, general secretary of teachers union NASUWT, welcomed Sir Keir Starmer's promise to work more in partnership with unions than the last government.

He said: "We welcome the Prime Minister’s commitment to working in partnership to rebuild our public services after the legacy of failure over the last 14 years.

"Teachers are not looking for gimmicks and quick fixes. They want real and lasting solutions to the deep challenges affecting our schools and colleges – teacher recruitment and retention, high stakes accountability, and crumbling buildings.

"The Prime Minister’s vision of the need for genuine partnership to deliver national renewal is pivotal."


12:03 PM BST

Debate on winter fuel payments likely to start at 1.30pm

The 90-minute debate on the decision to scrap winter fuel payments for 10 million pensioners should get underway in the House of Commons at approximately 1.30pm.

It will start once a statement on the situation in Ukraine concludes.

Ministerial statements usually last for about an hour and John Healey, the Defence Secretary, is due to start talking just after 12.30pm.


12:00 PM BST

Labour MPs question economic case behind winter fuel cut

Labour MPs have questioned the economic case for the Government's cuts to winter fuel payment, warning the policy will also have a “humanitarian cost”.

Rachael Maskell, the Labour MP for York Central, said a Labour Government “must always protect the poorest in our society” before questioning the likely savings of the policy to limit the winter fuel payment to only those people claiming Pension Credit or other means-tested benefits.

Fellow Labour MP Andy McDonald (Middlesbrough and Thornaby East), intervening on Ms Maskell, told a Westminster Hall debate: “The winter fuel payment regulations amendment will take up to £300 per household from two groups of low-income pensioners – those eligible for Pension Credit who do not claim it and those who are just over the pension cliff edge but still living on very little.

“As I understand it, the pension credit take-up is around 63 per cent and this will at best be 68 per cent and the saving to the public purse is predicated on that basis, but the savings will be wiped out if everyone eligible took up the Pension Credit, which surely should be the goal. Does she agree with me that this simply doesn’t stack up?”

Ms Maskell replied: “I think [Mr McDonald] has done the maths and I think it speaks for itself. The Chancellor cannot therefore make this just an economic argument as there is also a humanitarian cost too, and we need to have the capacity to find that escape route, as [former shadow chancellor] Ed Balls stated, as people need a safety net.”


11:51 AM BST

Union tells Starmer: ‘You cannot solve problems caused by austerity with more austerity’

The PCS union was critical of Sir Keir Starmer's frequent references to "tough decisions".

Responding to the Prime Minister's speech in Brighton, PCS general secretary Fran Heathcote said: "We’ve had enough of being told about 'tough decisions'. The real tough decisions are forced upon our members every day trying to make ends meet.

"Thousands of the government's own workers earn just above the minimum wage and are having to rely on food banks. There will not be a stronger economy without boosting the incomes of working people.

"You cannot solve the problems caused by austerity with more austerity. That's why the TUC has voted overwhelmingly for a campaign of pay restoration across the public sector - which will boost living standards and strengthen the economy."


11:39 AM BST

Pay deals ‘must be a start and not a finish’, says GMB union

The GMB union said the Government's recent pay deals with unionised workers "must be a start and not a finish" as it responded to Sir Keir Starmer's speech at the TUC conference in Brighton.

Gary Smith, GMB general secretary, said: “The Government has a huge job on to clean up the mess after 14 years of chaos and misrule from the Conservatives.
 
“One toxic Tory legacy was the undervaluing of public sector workers. Paying them properly is both the right thing to do and will help get our economy moving.
 
“We have seen some positive action from the new government, with above inflation pay awards already in place. But, GMB’s public sector members are clear: this must be a start and not a finish.”


11:37 AM BST

Starmer challenged over failure to abolish two-child benefit cap

Sir Keir Starmer was challenged over his decision not to get rid of the two-child cap on child benefits as he answered questions from delegates at the TUC conference in Brighton.

The Prime Minister insisted the Government has an "absolute determination" to tackle child poverty which is "far too high".

He said: "Thank you for raising the question of child poverty, it is a really important issue... and it matter sto this Government.

"Obviously we have had to take difficult decisions given the economic circumstances we are in for reasons that I have explained.

"But that does not diminish... our absolute determination in relation to child poverty. It is far too high, it is pour responsibility to bring it down."

The Government has launched a task force to look at different measures which could be taken on the issue.


11:31 AM BST

Winter fuel debate likely to be delayed by an hour

John Healey, the Defence Secretary, will deliver a statement in the House of Commons at lunchtime to provide MPs with an update on the situation in Ukraine.

That means the debate on scrapping winter fuel payments will be pushed back, likely by about an hour.

Hopefully the winter fuel debate will get underway at about 1.30pm and that would mean a vote at approximately 3pm.


11:28 AM BST

Trade union delegate shouts ‘tax the rich’ at Starmer

One delegate shouted "tax the rich" as Sir Keir Starmer addressed the TUC conference, writes Amy Gibbons in Brighton. 

After a fairly flat start, the Prime Minister's pledge to scrap the Tories' anti-strike laws fired up the crowd.

Whoops and applause erupted at his declaration that Labour will repeal the 2016 Trade Union Act.

Later, a member of the crowd shouted "tax the rich" - the first intervention of the speech.


11:21 AM BST

Starmer concludes speech in Brighton

Concluding his speech at the TUC conference in Brighton, Sir Keir Starmer said: “We will keep to the course of change, reject the snake oil of the easy answer, fix the foundations of our economy and build a new Britain, more secure, more prosperous, more dynamic and fairer.

“Wealth created in every community, a country renewed and returned, calmly but with confidence to the service of working people.”


11:17 AM BST

PM issues warning to union workers over pay rises

Sir Keir Starmer warned union workers that he would not sign off on big pay rises for the public sector if it was at the expense of economic stability.

The Prime Minister told the TUC conference: "This government will not risk its mandate for economic stability under any circumstances and with tough decisions on the horizon, pay will inevitably be shaped by that.

"I owe you that candour."


11:13 AM BST

Starmer: ‘I make no apologies for any of the decisions we have had to take’

Sir Keir Starmer received a loud cheer as he pledged to repeal the Tories' "anti-trade union" laws.

The Prime Minister said he would end the "vindictive attacks on this movement".

Turning to the general election and "tough decisions" he has had to take, Sir Keir said: "We ran as a changed Labour Party and we will govern as a changed Labour Party.

"And so I make no apologies for any of the decisions we have had to take to begin the work of change and no apologies to those still stuck in the 1980s who believe that unions and business can only stand at odds, leaving working people stuck in the middle."


11:08 AM BST

I don’t want to be delivering such gloomy forecasts, says PM

Sir Keir Starmer accused the Tories of leaving behind a terrible inheritance for Labour across a wide range of policy areas.

The Prime Minister said that “even in our worst fears we didn’t think it would be this bad”.

Sir Keir said that he appreciated that no one wanted to hear such a “gloomy forecast” and he did not want to be in the position of having to deliver it but he believed he owed working people economic stability.

The premier said he wanted to “fix the foundations so we can build a new home”.

Sir Keir Starmer addresses the TUC conference in Brighton
Sir Keir Starmer addresses the TUC conference in Brighton - Carlos Jasso/Reuters

11:04 AM BST

Starmer: Job of rebuilding Britain ‘will take a while’

Sir Keir Starmer told the TUC conference that the “job of rebuilding begins” now.

He told trade union delegates: “I have to level with you... this will take a while, it will be hard, but just as we had to the hard graft of change in our party, now we have to roll up our sleeves and change our country.”

He accused the Tories of having “salted the earth of Britain’s future”.


11:02 AM BST

Starmer accuses Tories of showing lack of respect for workers

Sir Keir Starmer said the failure of Tory prime ministers over the last 15 years to address TUC conferences demonstrated a lack of respect for workers.

"That era is now over," the Labour leader said.

Sir Keir said that working people are the "backbone of this country".


11:01 AM BST

Starmer first PM to address TUC conference in 15 years

Sir Keir Starmer is now delivering his speech at the Trades Union Congress annual conference in Brighton.

The Prime Minister said his address was the first by a premier to the TUC conference in 15 years.

The last address by a PM was by Gordon Brown in 2009.


10:57 AM BST

Starmer arrives at TUC conference

Sir Keir Starmer has just arrived on the main stage at the Trades Union Congress annual conference in Brighton.

He has just taken a seat and should be delivering his speech very shortly.


10:53 AM BST

Farage criticises Labour for taking winter fuel payment away from WWII veteran

Nigel Farage said the decision to cut winter fuel payments for 10 million pensioners was a "disgrace" and would impact one of his constituents who flew 31 missions as a rear gunner during the Second World War.

The Reform leader said he will vote against the cut this afternoon.


10:45 AM BST

Pensioners will be £1,700 better off with us, Rachel Reeves tells winter fuel rebels

Rachel Reeves said pensioners are on course for a £1,700 boost under Labour as she tried to counter a rebellion over winter fuel payment cuts.

Writing for The Telegraph ahead of a crunch vote on the policy, the Chancellor revealed Treasury estimates for the expected rise in the state pension over the next five years.

The Treasury is telling potential Labour rebels that the rise in the state pension thanks to the triple lock far exceeds the impact of ending winter fuel payments for all pensioners.

You can read the full story here


10:42 AM BST

Pictured: People spray sparkling wine over a man who walked out of Nottingham Prison on the day an early release scheme came in to effect

People spray sparkling wine over a man who walked out of Nottingham Prison on the day an early release scheme came in to effect
People spray sparkling wine over a man who walked out of Nottingham Prison on the day an early release scheme came in to effect - Tom Maddick/SWNS

10:40 AM BST

TUC vote on opposing winter fuel cut delayed

Unions will have to wait to have their say on Labour’s winter fuel raid after a vote on whether to oppose the policy was delayed at the TUC conference, writes Amy Gibbons in Brighton. 

A motion objecting to the removal of the universal benefit has been pushed back to tomorrow to make time for a question and answer session with the Prime Minister following his speech to delegates this morning.

The vote was expected to take place this afternoon, after Sir Keir Starmer addressed the conference, with multiple union sources expecting the motion to pass.

It came about because the PCS, which represents civil servants, including those overseeing the winter fuel payments scheme, succeeded in changing an existing motion on Universal Credit to include opposition to the cut.

The amendment states: “Congress agrees to oppose cuts to the winter fuel allowance and demands appropriate taxation of corporations and the super-rich, to fund the social security improvements identified in this motion.”


10:22 AM BST

Early release prisoner: ‘I’m going to go out and enjoy my life’

The first man to leave HMP Wandsworth on early release said he now plans to “enjoy my life”, writes Albert Tait. 

The man, who was released from the gates of the south London prison at 9:50am, refused to provide his name or the offence that had landed him behind bars.

Surrounded by a scrum of journalists and photographers outside the gates, he confirmed he had been let out on early release.

He said: “I’m going to go out and enjoy my life. I got out quite quickly. From the wing to now, I’d say 25 minutes. They’ve got loads of people going out today.”

As he walked down the road away from the prison, the man skipped several times.


10:11 AM BST

Braverman: Early prisoner release a ‘day of shame’ for Labour

Suella Braverman said the decision by the Government to release almost 2,000 prisoners early today will "undoubtedly lead to re-offending".

The former home secretary said that "today is a day of shame for this Labour Government".


10:00 AM BST

Today’s key timings for Starmer speech, winter fuel vote and Tory leadership contest

Today is probably the busiest political day in Westminster since the general election. Here are the key timings:

  • 11am: Sir Keir Starmer delivers a speech at the Trades Union Congress annual conference in Brighton.

  • 12.30pm: The debate on scrapping winter fuel payments should start, although if there are urgent questions or ministerial statements the start time will be pushed back. The debate will last for 90 minutes.

  • 2pm: If the debate starts at 12.30pm then MPs should vote on winter fuel at about 2pm. The motion MPs will vote on would annul the Government’s winter fuel policy if it were to pass. However, Sir Keir Starmer’s sizeable Commons majority means the motion will be defeated but a Labour rebellion of some sort does look likely.

  • 3pm: Voting in the second round of the Tory leadership contest will open.

  • 5pm: The result of the second round of the Tory leadership contest will be announced by Bob Blackman, the chairman of the 1922 Committee. One candidate will be eliminated from the race, leaving a final four.


09:48 AM BST

Badenoch is most popular shadow cabinet minister among Tory members

Kemi Badenoch has extended her lead as the most popular shadow cabinet minister among Conservative Party members.

A survey of the Tory grassroots conducted between Sept 2-3 and published by the Conservative Home website this morning gave Mrs Badenoch a net satisfaction rating of plus 49.9, which was up by almost six points on last month’s survey.

Mrs Badneoch was significantly ahead of her shadow cabinet rivals: The next highest rating was the plus 25.9 recorded for James Cleverly in second place.

Tom Tugendhat was in third place on plus 25.7.


09:30 AM BST

Coming up: Sir Keir Starmer to deliver speech at TUC conference

Sir Keir Starmer will deliver a speech at the Trades Union Congress annual conference in Brighton this morning at 11am.

The Prime Minister will warn workers that decisions on pay will be shaped by the “tough decisions” needed to protect the economy.

Sir Keir will say his goal of a pro-worker, pro-business partnership will “turn the page” after years of industrial unrest under the Tories and “rewrite the rules of the economy”.

But in a message aimed at curbing demands for inflation-busting pay rises in the public sector, Sir Keir will insist he will not risk economic stability.

He will tell the Brighton gathering: "I do have to make clear, from a place of respect, that this Government will not risk its mandate for economic stability, under any circumstances.

"And with tough decisions on the horizon, pay will inevitably be shaped by that. I owe you that candour because – as was so painfully exposed by the last government – when you lose control of the economy it’s working people who pay the price."


09:15 AM BST

Tory MP Lewis Cocking endorses Robert Jenrick


09:10 AM BST

Taxes are ‘already high’, says minister

Jonathan Reynolds said taxes are “already high on working people” when asked why the Labour Government would not target the wealthy instead of cutting the winter fuel payment.

The Business and Trade Secretary told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme: “We have a Budget coming up but we’ve made clear that taxes which we’ve inherited are already high on working people.”


09:03 AM BST

Number of poor pensioners losing winter fuel payment ‘higher than previously thought’

More pensioners living in poverty or on the edge of doing so will lose their winter fuel payments than previously thought, according to new analysis published by the Age UK charity.

The charity originally estimated that 2 million people on low incomes would lose out under the new means-testing system but it has now revised that number up to 2.5 million.

The higher figure consisted of some 1.6 million older people who are living in poverty but who will lose the payment because they are not in receipt of other qualifying benefits and a further 900,000 older people whose incomes fall just above the poverty line.

Caroline Abrahams, charity director at Age UK, said: “New Age UK analysis shows that when we said we thought 2 million pensioners were set to lose their winter fuel payment and would struggle badly this winter as a result, we underestimated the scale of the problem caused by the Government’s policy approach.

“In fact the number is two and a half million, comprising 1.6 million older people who are already living below the poverty line and a further 900,00 whose incomes are less than £55 a week above it. All these older people will be made poorer this winter as a direct consequence of the Government’s decision when they really can’t afford to be - at the same time as their energy bills are rising by 10 per cent.

“This is unfair, and it is also unsustainable, so it’s no wonder there’s growing public concern.”


08:56 AM BST

Minister rejects suggestion pensioners could die due to winter fuel cut

Jonathan Reynolds rejected the suggestion that pensioners could die of cold this winter as a result of the Government’s policy on scrapping winter fuel payments.

Asked whether he and the Government accepted this was a possibility, the Business and Trade Secretary told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme, he said: “No. We are making sure that we can reassure people by saying the state pension is higher than last winter and energy bills are lower than last winter.”


08:49 AM BST

Not fair to label Chancellor the Grinch, says Reynolds

It is not “fair” to suggest Rachel Reeves is behaving like "The Grinch” over the cut to the winter fuel allowance, a Cabinet minister said.

Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds was asked about remarks made by RMT general secretary Mick Lynch at the TUC Congress yesterday where he said that Labour would be likened to The Grinch – a term used against him during a strike by railway workers last year – over the policy.

“I don’t think that that is fair in any way,” Mr Reynolds told LBC.

“What we have been able to do is first of all be serious about decisions that the previous government has sat on… it’s nothing like the kind of austerity that we saw under George Osborne.

“It is a recognition that where the previous government has made commitments that it can’t honour, you’ve got to be responsible within there.”


08:40 AM BST

‘We have no choice’ but to cut winter fuel payments, says Cabinet minister

Jonathan Reynolds insisted the Government has “no choice” over cutting the winter fuel allowance.

Asked why it was not in the Labour election manifesto, the Business and Trade Secretary told Sky News the party “did not know the situation we would inherit”.

Asked why the party was pursuing the policy, he said: “We have no choice.”

It was put to him that pensioners had been given no time to prepare, to which he replied: “The nature of what we’ve inherited and the challenges that that presented required some immediate decisions.”


08:25 AM BST

Cleverly secures endorsement of two Tory MPs who backed Patel

Two Conservative MPs who backed Priti Patel in the Tory leadership contest are now supporting James Cleverly after the former was eliminated from the race.

Greg Smith and Sir Alec Shelbrooke have both publicly endorsed Mr Cleverly ahead of the second round of voting this afternoon.

Sir Alec said Mr Cleverly has the “skills and experience needed to win back the voters that we lost in 2024 and the ability to communicate a positive Conservative vision for our country”.

Mr Smith said Mr Cleverly has “got a clear vision, is best placed to unite the party and get us back to winning”.

The second round of voting in the Tory contest takes place this afternoon, with results expected to be announced at 5pm.


08:19 AM BST

Andy Burnham urges Rachel Reeves to rethink winter fuel policy

Andy Burnham has urged the Government to reconsider its approach to cutting winter fuel payments for 10 million pensioners.

Downing Street said yesterday it was not planning to soften the policy with any mitigation measures despite a growing backlash.

But Mr Burnham, the Labour Mayor of Greater Manchester, urged ministers not to rule out making changes to make the new means-testing more generous.

He told the BBC Radio 4 Today programme: “I would say that it is clear to me that the Government has been dealt a very bad hand of cards from the previous government when it comes to the public finances.

"I also think there is a case for reform of the winter fuel allowance, I would just ask the Government not to rule out the possibility of a higher threshold, or indeed a taper of winter fuel allowance. Because our experience in Greater Manchester is that pensions are often reluctant to apply for the pension credit for a number of reasons.

"And actually, anyway, the threshold at which you get is pretty low anyway. And so I recognise how difficult the situation is and I do think there is a case, as I said, for reform, but I would ask them not to rule out putting in that possible extra help for pensioners who are right at that cliff edge.”


08:11 AM BST

‘No way’ I could vote for winter fuel cut, says ex-Labour MP

A former Labour MP said there was “no way” he could vote for the cut to winter fuel payments.

Richard Burgon, who had the whip suspended for six months in July and who currently sits as an independent MP, said he could not vote to kick pensioners “in the teeth”.

He told LBC: "There is no way I can support this measure because I was elected by my constituents on a manifesto that didn't include this.

“I personally can't look pensioners in my constituency in the eye… and kick them in the teeth like this.”

Told that if he voted against the cut he could risk losing the Labour whip permanently, Mr Burgon said: "I think that would be a shame. I don't think about my personal position, I've got a job to do as an MP.”


08:06 AM BST

Winter fuel cut will result in pensioner deaths, warns ex-Labour MP

A former Labour MP said cutting the winter fuel payment for 10 million pensioners will result in the deaths of pensioners.

Richard Burgon, who was one of seven Labour MPs who had the whip suspended for six months in July this year after rebelling over the two-child benefit cap, urged the Government to reconsider the fuel policy.

He told LBC: “I think this cut will result in the deaths of pensioners who won't be able to turn the heating on.”


08:01 AM BST

Winter fuel cut can help build ‘better future’, says Cabinet minister

Cutting winter fuel payments for 10 million pensioners will help to “fix the foundations” of the public finances and secure a “better future”, a Cabinet minister has argued.

Jonathan Reynolds, the Business and Trade Secretary, urged Labour MPs to vote with the Government on the issue later today.

Told that dozens of Labour MPs could abstain rather than vote in favour of the cut, Mr Reynolds told Times Radio: “We have made clear this is a tough decision, it is not something we would ideally be having to do but the black hole we have inherited is real, we have to take measures to fix that.

Jonathan Reynolds, the Business and Trade Secretary, is pictured this morning as he arrived in Westminster
Jonathan Reynolds, the Business and Trade Secretary, is pictured this morning as he arrived in Westminster - Marcin Nowak/London News Pictures Ltd

“This is a significant part of what we have to do because of that. To put it into practical terms so people understand it, in my department the kind of overspending that was put onto the Treasury reserve includes things like compensation for postmasters, it includes money for the steel industry.

“Fixing the foundations of the country isn’t just about difficult things like this which are decisions ideally you wouldn’t have to make. It is about how you get to a better future and that is exactly what we are trying to do and that is what I would ask all colleagues to recognise and support today.”


07:58 AM BST

It is difficult to claim pension credit, minister admits ahead of crunch winter fuel vote

Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds conceded it is “difficult” to claim pension credit ahead of a crunch vote on the decision to scrap winter fuel payments for 10 million pensioners.

Winter fuel payments are no longer universal and only pensioners in receipt of pension credit will be eligible to receive the money under cost-cutting measures made by the Government.

Ministers have been urging vulnerable pensioners who have not registered for pension credit to do so so that they don’t miss out on the winter fuel support but there have been complaints that the process is cumbersome and time-consuming.

Asked if he knew how many questions people had to answer when applying for pension credit, Mr Reynolds told Times Radio: “It relates to your income and whether you are in receipt of a level of income which is below a threshold that this then tops you up to. It is slightly more complicated for the savings element.”

Told that it was 243 questions and the Government was not making it easy for pensioners, the Cabinet minister said: “It is difficult but as I say I have been in parliament for a while and I have heard people talk about driving the take up of pension credit for many years. This is the first time we have seen real progress on it.”

MPs will vote on the decision to scrap winter fuel payments for most pensioners in the House of Commons this afternoon. Sir Keir Starmer is expected to win the vote but he is facing the prospect of a Labour rebellion.


07:57 AM BST

Probation watchdog: Early release prisoners will be back in jail ‘within days’

Prisoners released early today will be back in jail “within days” after breaching their probation, a watchdog has warned.

Martin Jones, chief inspector of probation, said that offenders freed under the Government scheme were “almost bound” to be sent back to jail “within days or weeks” because “things will go wrong in the community” and they would breach the terms of their licence.

Up to 1,750 prisoners are being released today 40 per cent of the way through their sentences rather than halfway to tackle jail overcrowding that saw the number of spare places in male prisons fall to just 300 on Monday.

Mr Jones said there was also “certainty” that some of the freed criminals would “reoffend.” “So the numbers are that around about a third of people released from prison each year will be proven to have committed a further offence within a year,” he told BBC Radio 4 Today.

“And then, of course, there’s a small risk that some of those offences will be serious, and whilst rare, that risk cannot be eliminated.”