Pensioners who are in "genuine need" will continue to receive the winter fuel allowance under Conservative plans to means test the payments, Work and Pensions Secretary Damian Green has said.

Mr Green refused however to be drawn on how many pensioners would lose the allowance if the Tories were returned to power on June 8, saying they would consult on the future level of payments.

"The money we save on winter fuel payments going to Mick Jagger and Bernie Ecclestone and indeed John McDonnell - that will be better spent on the social care system which needs more money," he told BBC1's The Andrew Marr Show.

"We will consult so that everyone who is in genuine need of the winter fuel payment will still get it.

"Releasing that money for use in the social care system is absolutely a good way forward for us to start improving our social care system which is vital for so many people."

Mr Green said the narrowing of the Conservatives' lead over Labour in the opinion polls would focus voter's attention on the prospect that Jeremy Corbyn could enter No 10.

"I think this will focus people's minds on the fact that in less than a month's time Jeremy Corbyn could be leading the Brexit negotiations," he said.

"Given Labour's complete lack of credibility, nonsensical economic policy as well as their other policies - nobody surely wants that."