CONSERVATIVES in Thurrock have repeated their call for the borough's new Labour MP to oppose the winter fuel allowance cuts. 

Earlier this month local Tories called on the borough's MPs Jen Craft (Labour) and James McMurdock (Reform) to comment on the planned cuts. Neither has publicly responded.

Now Leader of the Conservative Group on Thurrock Council, Cllr Andrew Jefferies has written specifically to Mrs Craft asking her to oppose the cuts when Parliament reconvenes.

In his letter, Cllr Jefferies says: "Whilst we are clearly on opposing sides of the political divide, I am reaching out to you in the hope we can put aside our differences, for the sake of pensioners here in Thurrock.

"As Thurrock's new MP, you have influence at the heart of Westminster and are best placed to oppose the Government's plans to means test the winter fuel allowance.

"Many pensioners who supported Labour at the General Election would surely never have done so had they known they would be voting for the loss of their allowance.

"The withdrawal of the allowance is a betrayal of pensioners, who have worked hard and done the right thing all their lives, they should not be treated with such cruel contempt in their twilight years."

Cllr Jefferies is calling on the MP to vote against the withdrawal of the allowance when Parliament debate the issue on their return after the summer break.

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Two days after his letter, it was announced that the energy price cap will increase by 10% in October, pushing up bills further.

In response to this, Cllr Jefferies has added: "The energy price cap has increased by 10% just at the time when the Labour government are taking away the winter fuel allowance from pensioners. This is a double hit to pensioners by making them pay higher bills whilst taking away support that many need. 

"I reiterate my call to Ms Craft to put politics aside, make a stand for our pensioners, and oppose this political choice from our Labour government."