TORIES UNITED IN SUPPORT OF WINTER FUEL CRUSADE

ALL six Tory leadership candidates have backed the Express campaign demanding a U-turn on scrapping the Winter Fuel Payment.

- Christian Calgie

Tom Tugendhat, James Cleverly, Kemi Badenoch, Robert Jenrick, Mel Stride and Priti Patel have united behind the growing demand for the Government to abandon its callous attack on pensioners.

They join dozens of MPs from across the political spectrum who have already backed our Save Winter Fuel Payments campaign.

The development comes as Labour is warned that axing the lifeline could spectacularly backfire and create a huge unintended benefits bill.

It means that, whoever replaces Rishi Sunak as Tory leader in autumn, the party is guaranteed to be led by someone dedicated to fighting against Labour's policy. Shadow Security Minister Tom Tugendhat accused PM Sir Keir Starmer and Chancellor Rachel Reeves of not being "straight with the British people". He said: "They promised change but all they're offering is downgrades".

Mr Tugendhat praised the Express for holding the Government's "feet to the fire, and this campaign is an important part of doing so".

Shadow Home Secretary James Cleverly accused the Chancellor of not having a "democratic mandate" for the policy. He added: "Integrity demands that to implement a change like this, that will affect so many people, requires a democratic mandate."

Shadow Housing and Government Secretary Local Kemi Badenoch said Daily Express readers "can see Labour have been dishonest with the British public".

Robert Jenrick accused Labour of displaying "breathtaking hypocrisy" compared with their attacks when in opposition over rumoured Winter Fuel Payment cuts, branding Ms Reeves' decision as "shameful".