Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, with reference to the direct ministerial appointments gov.uk portal entry of 20 April, Interim Non-Executive Director Great British Energy and Great British Energy Start-Up Chair, for what reason the five non-executive directors and chairman to Great British Energy were appointed as direct ministerial appointments; and what consideration he has given to making these positions regulated public appointments.

The start-up Chair and five Non-Executive Directors of Great British Energy (GBE) were appointed through direct ministerial appointment to provide the expertise and experience needed for the rapid establishment of the company during its set-up phase.

Consideration will be given as to whether these positions should be regulated public appointments when the Public Appointments Order in Council is next updated. We are now running an open and fair competition for the permanent GBE board and all future GBE appointments will follow the process and principles of regulated public appointments.