Greg Jackson, the vocal originator of Octopus Energy, has been designated by Prime Minister Keir Starmer to participate in the Cabinet Office board as a non-executive adviser, granting him a pivotal position within the government.
This appointment signifies a crucial step to integrate private sector knowledge into Whitehall policymaking. Jackson, whose energy firm has evolved from a startup in 2015 to a company appraised at £9 billion, is anticipated to utilize his three-year tenure to challenge conventional perspectives and advocate for modernization throughout the government.
Jackson has established a reputation for being bold enough to confront policymakers. Just weeks ago, ministers dismissed his suggestion to divide the national energy market into regional zones, contending it would result in increased costs for households in the South East while reducing bills in Scotland.
He defended the proposal as a means to better synchronize electricity prices with local supply and demand, encouraging energy-heavy industries to shift to renewable-rich areas like Scotland and fostering increased green investment.
Though the policy was abandoned, Jackson remarked that he would “respectfully disagree” with the choice, indicating his commitment to persist in advocating for reforms.
As a non-executive member of the Cabinet Office board, Jackson will offer external perspectives to aid civil servants and ministers in shaping long-term strategies and implementations. His appointment is part of a broader effort to incorporate expertise from business and industry to enhance the delivery of public services.
Jackson has already become a recognized figure in Westminster. Official documentation reveals that he and colleagues from Octopus held 10 meetings with senior Labour ministers in the 12 weeks post-general election.
Commenting after his appointment, Jackson stated: “Having been raised with a strong sense of civic responsibility, I’m truly proud to have the opportunity to contribute to public service. Discovering methods to enhance services without increasing expenditure is essential for public services, the economy, and our society, and if through business I’ve acquired insights on technology, implementation, and organization that can benefit government, it’s a privilege to share those.”
A previous leader of the Labour List pressure group, Jackson’s political ties and business accomplishments position him as a prominent addition to Starmer’s advisory team. With energy policy and public service reform prioritized on the government’s agenda, his role on the board is expected to influence thinking well beyond the energy domain.
