MP calls on Conservative colleagues as pensioners risk losing state pension boost

MP for North Devon, Ian Roome, has urged Conservative MPs in Devon to distance themselves from their party leader over plans that could see some pensioners lose the annual automatic up-rating of the state pension.

Last week, Conservative Leader Kemi Badenoch said that she would look at means testing the triple lock, meaning that some pensioners would lose out on the annual automatic up-rating of the state pension.

The Liberal Democrat MP for North Devon said that Badenoch’s plans would send a “shiver down the spine” of local pensioners.

The North Devon Liberal Democrats pointed out that Badenoch’s comments follow similar remarks by Conservative Shadow Chancellor Mel Stride in December, when he called maintaining the triple lock “unsustainable.”

The triple lock was introduced by the Liberal Democrats in government to protect the state pension, by ensuring it increases each year by at least 2.5 per cent, or in line with average wage increases or inflation if they are higher.

Because of this, Mr Roome is now looking to his fellow Devon MPs from the Conservative Party to distance themselves from both the Conservative Leader and Shadow Chancellor’s remarks and make clear they support the triple lock in full.

Liberal Democrat MP for North Devon, Ian Roome, said:“Amidst an ongoing cost-of-living crisis, Kemi Badenoch’s comments will send a shiver down the spine of pensioners here. In North Devon, so many residents rely on the triple lock to get a decent increase in the state pension each year and ensure their pensions are kept in line with the cost of living.”

“After being hammered by years of the Conservatives’ economic vandalism and the new government’s decision to cut the Winter Fuel Payment, this support is needed now more than ever.”

“Conservative MPs in Devon need to distance themselves from the remarks of their party leader and commit to keeping the triple lock in full. Anything less would show a complete disregard for local pensioners.

“I am proud that my party introduced the triple lock and we will all fight tooth and nail against Conservative attempts to weaken it. “