THE NEW STROUD MP voted with the government as Sir Keir Starmer saw off a backbench rebellion over plans to cut the winter fuel allowance but the Government’s majority fell to 120.

MPs voted 348 to 228 to axe the payment for all but the country’s poorest pensioners, rejecting a Tory bid for the 'controversial' policy to be blocked.

Stroud MP Simon Opher was one of the 348 voters having previously (along with 48 other members) signed an Early Day Motion that expressed concerns over the new Social Fund Winter Fuel Payment regulations. 

Only one Labour backbencher, Jon Trickett, today opposed the Government in supporting the Conservative motion, while 53 including seven ministers had no vote recorded.

Having no vote recorded does not necessarily mean that an MP actively chose to abstain – for example, some may be unable to attend due to other commitments.

As well as the ministers, it is understood some on the list had been “slipped”, meaning they were given permission not to attend.

However, 15 of the Labour MPs who signed a motion which called on the Government to delay implementing the cut were among those on the list.

Number 10 had held firm against pressure to soften the impact of the cut in the run-up to the Commons vote, saying on Tuesday morning that there were no plans to widen eligibility for the payment.

Ministers insist that the measure is necessary in order to fill a “£22 billion black hole” in the public finances which they say was left behind by their Tory predecessors.

But some backbenchers had said they feel unable to back the cut, which will see millions of pensioners lose the payment and only those claiming pension credit or other means-tested benefits continue to receive help with their energy bills this winter.

The Government’s working majority is 167.