Sarah Pochin, the Reform UK candidate for the Runcorn and Helsby by-election, has sparked controversy by expressing support for means testing winter fuel payments.
This stance, which directly contradicts the position of the party’s leader, Nigel Farage, who opposes such measures, highlights a potential rift within Reform UK over this sensitive issue. While Farage has fiercely criticized Labour’s decision to limit these payments, Pochin argues that the funds should be directed only to those in genuine need.
The controversy surrounding her position on Winter Fuel Payments could have significant implications for her credibility as a candidate. The Independent has reported on these tensions, underscoring the division within the party.
Pochin’s Stance on Winter Fuel Payments
In a resurfaced video from 2017, Sarah Pochin argued that winter fuel payments should be targeted to those who need them most. She stated,
Making sure those that are in need get that payment… but that those that don’t need it don’t get it.
Pochin emphasised the need to prioritise spending on critical issues like adult social care, adding,
We have so much else we need to spend our money on, like sorting out the adult social care issue.
She also noted that at the time, 800,000 people living in Spain were receiving the winter fuel payment, suggesting that these individuals should not be eligible for the benefit.
Contradictions With Reform Uk’s Current Policy
Pochin’s comments stand in contrast to the current position of Reform UK and its leader, Nigel Farage, who has been vocal in opposing Labour‘s decision to restrict winter fuel payments. Farage described Labour’s decision to limit the payment to those claiming pension credit as
Cruel, vindictive and cynical – He further stated,
New statistics show that Labour took the Winter Fuel Allowance away from 30,109 pensioners in Clacton – Farage vowed,
Reform will continue to campaign against this vindictive policy.
This directly conflicts with Pochin’s support for means testing, raising questions about the consistency of Reform UK’s position on this issue.
Pochin’s Political Background and Past Associations
Pochin’s political history is also under scrutiny. Previously a Conservative councillor in Cheshire East, she has shared photos of herself with former Conservative prime ministers Liz Truss, Boris Johnson, and Theresa May.
After her selection as Reform UK‘s candidate, her social media accounts were deactivated, but they were later reactivated, bringing attention to her past affiliations. When questioned about these posts, access to her accounts was once again restricted.
Public Reaction and Potential Implications
Critics have raised concerns about Pochin’s past political associations, particularly her time as a Conservative councillor. A Labour source commented,
It seems that for everything Nigel Farage’s candidate has said during this election, her past as a Tory and all they’re responsible for, comes back to haunt her. How can the people of Runcorn and Helsby trust a word she says?
This criticism is compounded by Pochin’s contradictory views on the winter fuel allowance, which may confuse voters about her position.
Meanwhile, Reform UK stands firm in its opposition to the cuts introduced by Labour. A Reform UK spokesman clarified that Pochin was merely expressing a personal view about the eligibility of those living abroad for the winter fuel allowance, emphasising that Reform UK opposes Labour’s cuts.
Sarah and Reform UK are opposed to Labour’s cruel cut to the Winter Fuel Allowance – the spokesman said.
As the by-election approaches, it remains to be seen how Pochin’s comments and political background will influence voter sentiment in Runcorn and Helsby. The debate over winter fuel payments highlights deeper divisions within UK politics regarding the distribution of government benefits.
