Sir Kier Starmer’s proposal to cut winter fuel payments receives green light despite being strongly opposed by many MP’s including Winchester’s Danny Chambers

MP for Winchester Danny Chambers who won the seat for the Liberal Democrats in the General Election voted in favour of the conservative motion to block Kier Starmer’s proposal to cut winter fuel payments.

The conservative motion was defeated by a majority of 120 in a 348 to 228 vote.

After the result was announced, shouts of "shame" could be heard across the House of Commons chamber.

Danny Chambers was one of 72 Liberal Democrats to vote against winter fuel payment cuts.

READ MORE: Sir Keir Starmer sees off backbench rebellion in winter fuel allowance vote

53 Labour MPs forewent their vote, with just one Labour MP Jon Trickett backing the conservative motion.

Starmer’s majority vote will enforce conditions on pensioners receiving support for their fuel payments.

Only those on a low income receiving pension credit or receiving other benefits decided by means-testing will now receive aid, leaving nine million pensioners without fuel payment support.

This is a change from the previous guidelines of pension allowance which meant anyone over the age of 66 could receive financial aid.

Commenting after the vote, Liberal Democrat MP for Winchester said: “I am deeply concerned for the pensioners across our communities who will be left struggling to pay their bills this winter without this payment.

“People who are over the pension credit limit by just a few pounds will now lose the entire allowance, despite energy bills due to rise again. This means pensioners receiving a fraction of the minimum wage will be losing this vital lifeline.

“I accept that the government needs to make difficult choices because of the mess to public finances left by the last government. But cutting payments to vulnerable pensioners is the wrong priority. Nobody should be forced between heating and eating this winter.

“I proudly opposed the Government in this vote and stood up for the many pensioners in the constituency who have been contacting me distressed by how they will cope this winter.”