A senior Conservative has defended Kemi Badenoch after the Tory leader suggested pensions could be subject to further means-testing, sparking backlash from opposition parties. On Thursday, Mrs Badenoch’s comments about potentially reviewing the triple lock were met with criticism, as the scheme is designed to ensure state pensions keep pace with inflation and the cost of living.
Nigel Huddleston, the Conservative Party co-chairman and a close ally of Badenoch, quickly moved to clarify her statement, insisting that she had been misquoted. Huddleston argued that Mrs Badenoch’s remarks were about means-testing benefits more widely, particularly for the wealthy, and not specifically targeting pensioners. However, he acknowledged that the affordability of the triple lock could be part of broader discussions on long-term policies.
Speaking on Times Radio on Friday morning, Huddleston stated: “Over the long term, these are exactly the things we’re looking at. But the Conservative Party has a long and proud history of supporting pensioners, and that is the whole point.” His comments suggest that while the triple lock is under review, there is no immediate push to dismantle it.
Huddleston further emphasised that the government’s focus is on intergenerational fairness, which he described as essential for ensuring policies benefit both younger and older generations. “It’s not about playing one group off against another. It’s about making sure that we make the whole country involved in policies going forward,” he said.
Despite Huddleston’s reassurances, the Labour Party was quick to seize on the remarks. A Labour spokesperson accused Mrs Badenoch and the Tories of seeking to “cut state pensions” and “raid pension pots.” The spokesperson added that the Conservative Party had demonstrated policy chaos by announcing plans without proper consideration, an accusation that Labour has repeatedly made about the Tories’ handling of key national issues.
The Lib Dems also seized on the controversy, launching an attack ad on a van parked outside Conservative Party headquarters. The ad warned pensioners not to “let the Conservatives wreck your pension,” capitalising on fears that the government might undermine protections for older citizens. Lib Dem MP Alison Bennett, who orchestrated the ad, said: “Kemi Badenoch’s comments will have sent a shiver down the spine of millions of pensioners across the country.”
Bennett also criticised the Tories for limiting winter fuel payments to only the poorest pensioners, accusing the government of further eroding support for older citizens. “Older people have already seen winter fuel payments ripped away by the Labour Government, and now the Conservatives want to come after their state pension,” she said.
In a broader political context, Mrs Badenoch’s comments reflect the ongoing internal debate within the Conservative Party about how best to manage public finances. While some members argue for fiscal restraint and greater focus on means-testing to ensure that benefits go to those who need them most, others worry that such moves could erode support among older voters, a key demographic for the party.
Huddleston was careful to clarify that no immediate policy changes would be made. “We’re not making commitments on the hoof,” he said. However, the Tories’ handling of pension policy will likely continue to be a point of contention as they seek to balance fiscal prudence with voter concerns.
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In a statement from Downing Street, the Prime Minister’s spokesperson reiterated that Sir Keir Starmer remains committed to the triple lock and the principle that state pensions should be based on contributions, regardless of wealth. “The UK’s state pension system should continue to reward those who have paid into it over their lifetime,” the spokesperson said.
As the debate over the future of pensions intensifies, it remains to be seen whether the Conservative Party will shift its stance on means-testing or continue to pursue policies aimed at addressing long-term fiscal sustainability. Whatever direction the party takes, it is clear that pensioners will remain at the centre of this ongoing policy debate.
