WINTER FUEL STORM 'IS LABOUR'S POLL TAX'

Starmer faces revolt over 'shameful' cut to pensioner payment

- Jonathan Walker and David Williamson

SIR KEIR Starmer faces his first major rebellion this week amid warnings that cuts to winter fuel payments will become his "poll tax moment".

Angry Labour MPs branded the decision "brutal" and "shameful", fearing the Government will be blamed if pensioners die in the cold. The Prime Minister is fighting to keep the lid on an explosive row as backbenchers and union leaders pile on pressure for a U-turn.

Twelve Labour rebels have signed a Commons motion demanding a rethink, backed by six colleagues suspended for voting against the child benefit cap. They include former shadow chancellor John McDonnell, as well as two independent MPs elected on a pro-Gaza platform.

Last night, government whips were accused of making “terrifying” threats to keep their troops in line ahead of a crunch vote on Tuesday.

On the same day, Labour’s union paymasters will back the rebels in a vote at the TUC conference in Brighton.

Sir Keir is under fire after ruling up to 10 million elderly people will lose the winter fuel payment – which pays up to £300 – to plug a “black hole” in public finances.

It was announced just before train drivers were given inflation-busting pay rises.

While ministers are confident of winning the vote, they are concerned about the long-term effects of simmering discontent on the backbenches.

Some fear the row will dog him like the poll tax, the disastrous policy that brought down former Tory PM Margaret Thatcher. But as one insider observed: “Thatcher had been in power for 11 years when she made that blunder. Keir has been in office for just 65 days.”

Party insiders said new MPs were “terrified” by the “ruthless” strong-arming of the whips. Few Labour MPs, if any, will vote against the cuts but whips fear many will abstain or back them only under duress.

And they fear the leadership is storing up discontent that will lead to future battles.