SIR KEIR STARMER faces a potential backbench rebellion over winter fuel payments in a Commons vote next week.

MPs will be given the chance to vote next Tuesday on the government’s decision to cut benefits for millions of pensioners.

The policy is expected to reduce the number of pensioners in receipt of the up to £300 payment from 11.4 million to just 1.5m, saving around £1.4 billion.

At least six Labour MPs have already publicly criticised the plan, saying people in England and Wales who are not in receipt of pension credit or other means-tested benefits will lose out.

Among them, new members Jessica Asato, Melanie Onn and Neil Duncan-Jordan have called for a rethink on the plans and tabled a Commons motion calling for a delay.

There are fears that the cut could leave thousands of pensioners struggling to pay their household bills this winter.