North West Leicestershire MP Amanda Hack was one of 348 Labour MPs to vote for the Government's planned cuts to winter fuel payments - and against a Conservative Party motion to stop them.

The motion was defeated in the House of Commons today (Tuesday) - by 348 votes to 228, with 53 Labour MPs abstaining.

The Independent reports that Sir Keir Starmer has successfully seen off a backbench rebellion but his majority has fallen to 120. The Government's working majority is 167.

No.10 made it clear they will not back down from the "tough decision", despite strong opposition from its own MPs and trade unions.

This came as the Prime Minister said he will not apologise for the changes Labour has made, in a speech at the TUC Congress.

North West Leicestershire MP Amanda Hack. Photo: Supplied

In contrast, Hinckley and Bosworth MP, Luke Evans, whose constituency includes villages close to Ashby, was one of 112 Conservatives to vote for the motion to stop the cuts.

Ms Hack's vote sparked an angry reaction online from Coalville-based Conservative county councillor, Craig Smith, who narrowly lost out to Labour candidate in the General Election.

He accused his rival from the July vote of being a liar, saying both them had promised to do what was best for their constituents as a Hustings held in Ashby last June.

Cllr Smith said on social media: "Liar!! Proof that our new MP does not care about the people of North West Leicestershire.

"Shame on you Labour, and shame on you Amanda Hack."

Cllr Smith later issued a statement regarding the House of Commons vote.

He said: "North West Leicestershire has been dealt a double blow in the two months since our new Labour MP was elected.

"First, the long-awaited Ivanhoe line was shelved, and now her Labour Government intends to deprive vulnerable pensioners of their Winter Fuel Payments this coming winter.

"This afternoon (Tuesday), cross-party opposition MPs voted to repeal the Labour Government's decision to restrict Winter Fuel Payments for thousands of pensioners across North West Leicestershire.

Whitwick-based county councillor Craig Smith. Photo: Supplied

"Unfortunately, the Government's majority far outweighed those who voted against the policy (including one Labour MP).

"Regrettably, our local MP Amanda Hack was not among those opposing the cuts.

"She voted in favour of scrapping the winter fuel allowance, affecting up to 18,763 of North West Leicestershire's most vulnerable residents.

"This includes an estimated 3,000 to 4,000 pensioners who sit just above the pension credit threshold, placing them in a precarious financial position.

"Twelve weeks ago, Amanda Hack and I stood on stage in front of a packed crowd at the Ashby Hustings, where we both pledged that, if elected, we would always prioritise the needs of our residents over party lines.

"It's now a forgone conclusion, the decision to remove Winter Fuel Payments from around 10 million pensioners across the UK will proceed as part of the autumn statement.

"This represents a triple blow for local pensioners, or as I prefer to call them, our mums, dads, grandmas, and grandads.

"Not only will many pensioners in the middle-income bracket lose the £300 Winter Fuel Payment, but the regulator has also announced a 10 per cent increase in the energy price cap, something Labour previously promised would not happen under their leadership.

"Furthermore, those living alone are likely to lose the 25 per cent single occupancy council tax allowance.

"This doesn't just signal a miserable winter for many of our elderly; in some cases, it could tragically result in premature deaths, with Age UK estimating up to 4,000 fatalities.

"I will continue to do everything within my power to oppose the Government's decision and encourage all residents to check their eligibility for Pension Credit.

"If you or a loved one may be entitled to Pension Credit, please apply here: www.gov.uk/pension-credit or by calling the freephone claim line on 0800 99 1234."

"I can only speak for myself, but if the roles were reversed, I would be prepared to fight for my residents—even against my own party. When I said I'm #OneOfOurOwn, I truly meant it. 

"For 50 years, Labour activists have called Margaret Thatcher 'the milk snatcher'. I wonder if, in 50 years' time, we will remember Starmer and Reeves as 'the winter fuel thieves'?"

Luke Evans posted: "This afternoon I voted to repeal the Labour Government's decision to restrict Winter Fuel Payments for thousands of pensioners across Hinckley and Bosworth.

"Sadly, it looks as though the decision to remove Winter Fuel Payments from around 10 million pensioners across the UK will go ahead."

Amanda Hack's office has been approached for comment.