Swansea celebrates first MP to become a Government Minister in half a century.
Torsten Bell, MP for Swansea West, promoted to Minister for Pensions
Bell is the first Swansea MP to be appointed a Government Minister in 51 years
More than 17,000 pensioners in Swansea West will receive a £470 boost to their income because of the Labour Government’s choice to protect the triple lock.
Torsten Bell, MP for Swansea West, has this week been promoted to Minister for Pensions. Bell is the first Swansea MP to be given a ministerial role since Alan Williams MP was appointed Minister for Consumer Protection in 1974.
Bell’s new role will be of significant interest to more than 17,000 people in receipt of the state pension in Swansea West. Pensioners stand to receive a £470 boost to their state pensions this year because of the Labour Government’s decision to protect the triple lock. The above-inflation increase means that pensioners will be more than £1,900 better off by the end of this Parliament.
Bell’s appointment comes as opposition leader Kemi Badenoch suggested that the triple lock could be means tested, to the alarm of many in her Party. Responding on social media, Bell said there was “being bold and there’s being plain bonkers. No one who thinks for five minutes can believe means testing the state pension is a good idea – but that is what Kemi Badenoch says she’s up for”.
Torsten Bell, MP for Swansea West, said:
“I’m absolutely delighted to be appointed Minister for Pensions alongside Rachel Reeves and Liz Kendall in this important role. I will be working hard everyday to make sure that pensioners across the country – including more than 17,000 in Swansea West – can retire with the support and dignity they deserve.
“The challenges ahead shouldn’t be underestimated. But I’m heartened to be following in the footsteps of one of my Swansea predecessors Alan Williams MP as a Government Minister focused on the bread and butter issues of raising living standards.”
Pensions industry professionals have welcomed Bell’s appointment.
Zoe Alexander, director of policy and advocacy at the Pensions and Lifetime Savings Association, said:
“Torsten Bell is already well known and respected within the pensions industry. We are optimistic that he will bring the leadership that is needed to make progress on both phases of the Pensions Review and look forward to working with him to continue to deliver a system that is adequate, affordable and fair, in the interests of UK savers.”
Lisa Picardo, chief business officer UK for PensionBee, an online pensions provider, said:
“We welcome the new pensions minister to his new role. With his extensive experience in public policy, we’re keen to see his innovative approaches that prioritise savers and bring much-needed progress to the pensions industry.”