Tory's triple lock pledge: We have a duty to pensioners

PENSIONERS have been given reassurance after a senior Cabinet minister insisted the Conservatives will fight the next general election on a pledge to keep the "triple lock".

- Martyn Brown

The policy guarantees state pensions rise each year by either the rate of inflation, earnings growth or 2.5 per cent - which ever is the highest.

Mel Stride said the policy will "almost certainly" be in the party's manifesto and that it has a "particular duty" to shield the elderly.

The Work and Pensions Secretary's remarks will be seen as a major pitch to shore up support among over-65s, as the Tories battle to stay in power.