Pensioner says 'I thought I was going to die' in emotional GMB winter fuel row

A pensioner appeared on Good Morning Britain sharing her fears after she was unable to get warm last winter and "thought she was going to die".

Jennie Leggatt appeared on Wednesday's (October 16) programme, relaying to hosts Susanna Ried and Richard Madeley her stark financial position after receiving her state pension and small working monthly pension, meaning there just wasn't enough money remaining to heat her home.

She explained to listening ITV viewers, that she had worked her whole life after going to University and contributed into the system but was now struggling to make ends meet and was worried her sick husband would now not make it through another winter.

The Labour voter explained that she was now seriously considering where she'd place her next vote after fearing Prime minister Keir Starmer was "coming after pensioners" following the recent government spending cuts to the winter fuel allowance, a payment that many were relying on to fund the heating in their homes this season.

On the programme, Jennie explained that she had a unique position because she suffered from a lung and heart condition which was ultimately triggered by the air she breathes in, meaning when the temperature drops she could be more at risk of being seriously ill.

Speaking about the harrowing situation she faces this winter, Jennie was now even more fearful after knowing she was a few quid short of being able to pay all of her bills, now that the additional payment to pensioners had been scrapped.

Richard addressed her saying: "Jennie, coming to you, you can put on as many cardigans as you like but that's not going to save you from problems." She told him: "No, it's not, I've got a lung condition and a heart condition and that is actually affected by the air I breathe in."

Jennie added: "If that's cold, I am going to be ill. I know that because two years ago when all the fuel prices shot up, I ended up with a debt of over £1000 and I had to turn the heating off. My husband is poorly as well."

Elaborating on what that meant for them both during the colder months, the pensioner said: "I thought I was going to die, I know that sounds dramatic but I just could not get warm and I can't move about very well."

Now gripped with fear, Jennie went on to detail what life was like now: "I'm now left with this huge anxiety that I am going to end up in this position again."

Jennie isn't the only retiree out there who is fearful as we enter the autumn, she was joined on the programme by Rob, who was a Good Morning Britain regular.

He has appeared on the show a number of times, waving the flag that things are tough and budgets extremely tight for many pensioners.

Unlike most, Rob is just about keeping his head above the water, having access to a Taxi so that he can nip out to work when finances fail to cover necessities.

Speaking to camera, he delivered a message to Prime Minister Keir Starmer, saying: "I think you're doing a great job wearing nice suits and going to see Taylor Swift but can you think about the people who put you there?"

Good Morning Britain airs weekdays on ITV1 from 6am.