Shadow Work and Pensions Secretary Rachel Reeves made an embarrassing gaffe today when she appeared not to know the value of the basic state pension.
Ms Reeves, who is Labour's key driver of pensions policy, first estimated that the basic rate was "just under £100 per week".
The state pension is in fact £113.10 per week.
In an interview with LBC Radio during the Labour Party conference, she was asked how much pensioners receive weekly from the government.
"It’s just under £100 a week, the basic state pension, of course," she replied.
Host Nick Ferrari replies: "Is it? The basic state pension is under £100?"
She initially replied that it was, before answering a third time: “It’s around £100 a week.”
Mr Ferrari then informed her that it was £113, to which she replied: "It depends how many years you’ve contributed to a pension - if you are a poorer pensioner, you get those top-ups with pension credit, the minimum income guarantee if you like with a pensioner is around £130 or £140.
“It does depend on how many years you’ve contributed.”
