Sir Ed Davey has vowed to block government moves to end the winter fuel allowance to pensioners who do not receive benefits. Branding the plan Labour's "first big mistake", Sir Ed said it would "hit millions" and a parliamentary vote was needed.
He added that MPs across the House of Commons would be "genuinely worried" about the move after correspondence with constituents.

"We haven't had a vote. We haven't had a proper debate" Mr Davey told the BBC, and announced the 72 Liberal Democrat MPs plan to trigger a debate and to hope for support from other parties.

"Liberal Democrats said in the election we'd fight for a fair deal for people, for our communities and I think the least Parliament needs to do is have a debate, have a vote and hopefully reject this proposal" he said.

He conceded that Labour ministers had inherited finances which were "really, really tough" but added:

"I don't think the way to balance the books is to take away this crucial support for millions of pensioners just as we're going into winter when fuel bills are going up".

As well as the expected rise in fuel costs, the average household energy bill is to increase by an average of £149 from October when Ofgem increases its price cap.