THE CONSERVATIVE Party has faced backlash over a video of pensioners claiming they will struggle this winter – whilst one was seen allegedly sporting a gold Rolex.
The clip was shared by the party to social media on Friday and was intended to slam the Labour government for cutting the winter fuel allowance through sharing people’s stories.
Albie Amankona, ironically a Conservative member, spotted the watch worn by one of the pensioners featured, and was quick to call out his own party.
Other eagle-eyed viewers have claimed it is a Rolex model worth over £4,000, but not everybody is convinced it is genuine.
The unnamed 78-year-old in the video talks about how difficult it will be to find savings to fund fuel payments, as both he and his wife are on a state pension.
He goes on to slam Angela Rayner and Rachel Reeves for trying to justify gifts received, branding their actions “totally wrong”.
He adds: “They give the appearance they don’t give two hoots about pensioners.”
The gold watch can be seen during shots of him sitting with his arm on the back of his sofa and while playing with his dog.
Some people have scrutinised it and claimed it to be a Rolex Datejust, worth between £4,000 and £5,000.
They were quick to criticise the party for allegedly using people who do not need to choose between “heating and eating”.
They pointed out that two of those featured had pets, one was a member of a tennis club, and all appeared to live in large houses.
Others were unconvinced, claiming the man could be wearing any old watch and that people’s true circumstances were unknown.
Amankona, a broadcaster and member of the Chiswick, Brentford and Isleworth Conservatives, reposted the video on Saturday to share his thoughts.
He wrote: “Tell me my party’s social media team did not film a pensioner losing the winter fuel allowance wearing a solid gold Rolex?”
His post has since received over 27,000 likes and more than 880 comments from Brits left divided by his claims.
One said: “So in your world view Albie, are older people not allowed to own nice things? Would you like them to sell everything before they enter the workhouse?
Amankona replied: “If you are wearing a Rolex or have amassed assets, your choice is not between heating and eating as the tweet suggests.
“I one day hope to have assets I can use to fund my lifestyle.
“Everyone does. There won’t be a universal winter fuel allowance or state pensions when I’m a pensioner, the retirement age will also be higher and I’m okay with that.”
Another commented: “It’s not just that – filmed in [a] huge house, surrounded by luxury. Hardly the obvious choice of a little old lady in somewhere like Glasgow?
“Basic messaging… comes across as entitled.”
A third wrote: “Of course they did – out of touch, out of ideas, out on the sidelines in opposition where they belong.”
Another said: “He could have been given that as a retirement gift for 50 years in the same job for all you know. It could be a family heirloom.”
A fifth agreed: “So I watched this video, expecting to see a clear, up-close shot of an obviously genuine Rolex, and saw only a watch. Why on earth do you assume it’s a Rolex?”
Another added: “Pensioners who live in large, beautifully furnished and decorated houses, with Rolexes, coffee machines and members of the local tennis club, claim they can’t afford their heating.
“Were they too scared to set foot on a council estate to film a disabled OAP in their council flat?”
