"Going to war with pensioners was always going to be a gamble and so far it doesn’t look like it is paying off."

As well as MP discontent, Starmer is also facing pressure from trade union leaders. Unite general secretary Sharon Graham told BBC Radio 4's "Today" programme the government should be "big enough and brave enough to do a U-turn", while Paul Nowak, head of the Trades Union Congress, said on BBC "Breakfast" the chancellor should "rethink" her plans.

The Prime Minister said he had not received a report setting out the impact of the decision to means-test the benefit

No10 have admitted no specific impact assessment had been carried out on removing the £300 payment for pensioners

Carol Vorderman has called on Sir Keir Starmer to apologise over cutting winter fuel payments for pensioners.

The Prime Minister, who has faced criticism for the DWP Winter Fuel Payment policy, said he recognised that it was a “really tough decision”

Government accused of trying to hide ‘horrific’ impact of winter fuel squeeze - The Tories maintained pressure on Sir Keir Starmer and Rachel Reeves over the means-testing of pensioners’ winter fuel payments.

Millions of pensioners will be left in the cold this winter, prompting councils around the country to create their own funds.