Ed Miliband’s net zero boss blasted for ‘hypocrisy’ | Politics | News
The new head of Ed Miliband’s net zero department has been criticized as a hypocrite after it was revealed he still heats his home with a fuel boiler. The Energy Secretary last week appointed Ofgem chief executive Jonathan Brearley to the lead role in the Government department. Mr Brearley said he would focus on “cutting bills and delivering clean, domestic power” in that role, but Mr Miliband’s net zero drive has faced criticism for encouraging households to jump on the electric vehicle and heat pump bandwagon; Both will be expensive in the short term.
The energy regulator boss also reportedly relies on an oil pump to power his home in Buckinghamshire, prompting accusations of hypocrisy from the Conservatives and UK Reformers. Conservative Shadow Energy Secretary Andrew Bowie said: “People should have the freedom to choose how they heat their homes, rather than being forced into costly upgrades they cannot afford.”
Richard Tice, deputy chairman of Reform UK, said: Sun: “As the incoming permanent secretary distributes usurping heat pumps to the public using an oil boiler, he shows that those in charge do not believe the nonsense they are foisting on everyone.
“This hypocrisy proves once again for Labor that it is one rule for them and another for the people.”
Air source heat pumps typically cost between £8,000 and £18,000, with ministers currently offering grants of £7,500 to help households make the switch. In comparison, a gas boiler usually costs between £2,000 and £5,000.
A spokesman for Ofgem said: “Jonathan has switched most of his energy use from heating oil to part of his home to cleaner options such as solar panels and an electric car.”
Mr Brearley, who will continue as Ofgem’s chief executive until a replacement is found, was appointed as the new permanent secretary at the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) on 6 March.
Announcing the appointment, Mr Miliband said: “Jonathan has spent his career working for the UK’s energy security and is a highly experienced, dedicated and imaginative public servant.
“I am delighted to welcome Jonathan to lead the department as we continue to deliver on our clean energy mission to lower families’ energy bills and take back control of our energy with clean energy we produce ourselves.”
