Octopus Energy founder Greg Jackson appointed as UK Government Advisory Board
Greg Jackson, the outspoken founder of Octopus Energy, was appointed as a non-executive advisor to the cabinet office’s board of directors, giving him a major role in the government center.
The appointment marks a major move to bring private sector expertise into Whitehall decision-making. Jackson’s energy supplier, who grew from a startup in 2015 to a £9 billion company, is expected to use his three-year deadline to challenge traditional thinking and modernize the entire government.
Jackson is known for not being afraid of conflicts with decision makers. Just a few weeks ago, ministers rejected a proposal to divide the national energy market into regional regions, believing that it would allow families in the southeast to pay more when cutting Scotland’s bills.
He defended the plan as a way to better bring electricity prices to local supply and demand, encourage energy-intensive industries to relocate to renewable energy-rich areas such as Scotland and stimulate further green investment.
Despite the policy being revoked, Jackson said he would “respectfully disagree” with the decision, which shows his determination to continue urging reforms.
As a non-executive member of the Cabinet Office’s board of directors, Jackson will provide external advice to help civil servants and ministers shape long-term strategies and implementation. His appointment is part of gaining expertise from business and industry to improve the broader momentum of public service delivery.
Jackson has become a familiar face in Westminster. Official records show that he and his colleagues at Octopus held 10 meetings with the senior labor minister within 12 weeks after the election.
Speaking after the date, Jackson said: “After having a civic obligation, I am proud to have the opportunity to contribute to public services. Finding ways to improve services without spending more is the key to public services, the economy and our society, and if I learned lessons about technology, delivery and organization through business that would be useful to the government, it is an honor to share these people.”
Jackson’s political ties and business history make him a high-profile addition to Starmer’s consulting circle. His presence on the board is expected to shape thinking beyond the energy sector as energy policy and public services improve the government agenda.
