New Moray MP Douglas Ross is being urged to take a stand against the UK Government in support of women affected by accelerated increases to their state pension age.
The SNP’s Mhairi Black challenged him to sign a parliamentary motion calling for “fair” transitional arrangements to be put in place for the Waspi women.
She questioned why the Tory had not already done so, having backed their campaign pledge in the run-up to the general election to “work in parliament to find a solution”.
Mr Ross said he had taken the decision not to add his name to any Early Day Motions regardless of their subject or sponsors because he did not want people to say “you supported this, but not that one”.
He also told the P&J his first meeting after being elected was with the Moray Waspi group when he agreed to provide the MP letter which was required for its appeal process.
Plans to bring women’s retirement age into line with men’s by 2020 – originally set out in 1995 – were fast-tracked in 2011.
Many women say they were never told, or only latterly, that they would receive their state pension later than expected.
Not against equalisation, campaigners want protection against hardship, arguing they have been unfairly disadvantaged.
On Wednesday, Mr Ross sat through a debate on the motion, but could not intervene having not yet given his maiden speech.
Ms Black, the SNP’s pensions spokeswoman, said his actions would “reek of hypocrisy” if he failed to sign it.
She added: “He was happy to pose with these women during his election campaign while seeking votes – now he must show a stand against his party’s damaging policy.”
Insisting his stance had not changed, Mr Ross replied: “If people were not properly informed, then they should not have to suffer in the way they are.”
The UK Government has so far refused to alter its policy, but Theresa May could be forced into another U-turn if the pressure continues to mount.
Some 190 MPs have signed the Waspi pledge, including 18 Conservatives and three Democratic Unionists.
As of last night, only one Tory had added his name to the motion.
Asked what he would do if the issue came to a vote, Mr Ross replied: “I have made a commitment to the Waspi women and that is what I will do.”
Work and pensions minister Guy Opperman, who has suggested women affected could take up apprenticeships, said revisiting the 1995 and 2001 legislation would cost “well in excess of £30billion”.
