The cuts to the winter fuel payment, aimed at saving £1.5 billion annually, have resulted in over nine million pensioners losing eligibility, raising concerns among Labour MPs about potential electoral backlash.

Former cabinet minister Louise Haigh expressed frustration over perceived sexist briefings against female Labour ministers following the electoral defeat, highlighting the need for better support for women in leadership roles.

Cabinet Office minister Pat McFadden urged Labour MPs to focus on the future and counter nationalist politics, particularly in light of the rise of Reform UK, which gained significant ground in the elections.

Labour's leader, Sir Keir Starmer, is facing mounting pressure to restore public confidence after the party suffered significant losses in local elections, including nearly 200 council seats and a previously safe parliamentary seat in Runcorn and Helsby.

Health Secretary Wes Streeting defended unpopular policies, including the winter fuel allowance cut and national insurance increases, as necessary measures to address public service funding crises.

In light of the electoral results, the Labour leadership has recognized the need for change and responsiveness to voter concerns, with Streeting emphasizing the party's commitment to demonstrating tangible change to regain voter trust.

The government has seen a significant increase in pension credit claims, with 235,000 applications made within seven months following the cuts, marking an 81% rise.

Polling indicates that Reform UK is gaining popularity, currently leading Labour by seven points, with Reform UK at 29% and Labour at 22%.

Starmer's response to the election results, which included a call to act 'further and faster,' has been criticized as insufficient by some party members, including Ian Byrne.

McFadden criticized the new Reform Mayor of Greater Lincolnshire for her promise to 'reset Britain to its glorious past,' insisting that Labour's vision is focused on a 'glorious future'.

In defense of the winter fuel payment cuts, Starmer suggested that other parties would lead to a return to previous economic problems, including high interest rates and NHS waiting lists.