Labour’s decision to cut winter fuel payments for most pensioners is the main reason voters are turning away from the party, according to a new YouGov poll.
The survey revealed that 35% of people who supported Labour in July but don’t plan to in the next election blamed the controversial policy.
Additionally, 33% said they no longer back Labour because it hasn’t lowered the cost of living, and 26% criticized the party for failing to improve public services like the NHS.
A quarter of respondents said Labour had broken too many promises, while 18% pointed to tax increases and poor handling of the economy. Another 18% said the party failed to manage immigration.
The poll found that winter fuel payments were the top reason voters wouldn’t support Labour in the next election (Image: PERSUASION).
Among all voters, 36% said they wouldn’t back Sir Keir in the next election, scheduled for 2029, due to changes to winter fuel payments.
The survey, conducted by research group Persuasion UK, asked 3,000 people to name up to three reasons they wouldn’t vote for Labour.
The Government has faced backlash for limiting the winter fuel allowance, previously available to all, to only those receiving pension credit.
Ministers said the change was necessary to address a £22 billion deficit caused by the previous Tory government, a claim the Tories deny.
This policy affects around 10 million pensioners and is expected to save the Treasury £1.5 billion annually, but it has drawn criticism from opposition parties, charities, and unions.
The Daily Express is campaigning to reinstate winter fuel payments for all pensioners.
