Conservative frontbencher Helen Whately faced backlash after an attempt to criticise Labour’s winter fuel policy backfired during a live TV interview. Whately, shadow transport secretary, aimed to attack Labour’s new plan to restrict winter fuel payments to pensioners on credit, cutting support for millions.
Appearing on BBC’s Politics Live, Whately tried to argue against the policy by sharing a story about pensioners in her own constituency struggling to stay warm. However, her comments inadvertently highlighted the impact of 14 years of Conservative rule, as Labour has only been in power since July.
Her remarks quickly went viral on social media platform X, with users pointing out that her anecdote revealed more about the failures of the Conservative government than Labour’s policies. Whately’s name began trending, with many mocking the “own goal” and the party’s apparent failure to address long-standing issues.
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