Prime Minister Keir Starmer has appointed Greg Jackson, founder of Octopus Energy, to the Cabinet Office board as a non-executive adviser, in a move designed to inject private sector expertise into government decision-making.
Jackson, whose company has grown from a start-up in 2015 to a £9 billion energy supplier, will serve a three-year term advising ministers and civil servants on strategy and reform. His appointment reflects a wider push by the government to draw on business leaders to strengthen the delivery of public services and modernise Whitehall operations.
Known for his outspoken views, Jackson has frequently challenged established policy thinking. Earlier this summer he clashed with ministers after they rejected his proposal to restructure the national energy market into regional zones. The plan, which he argued would tie electricity prices more closely to local supply and demand, was dismissed over concerns that it would increase household bills in the South East while lowering costs in Scotland.
Jackson defended the proposal, saying it could encourage energy-intensive industries to relocate to areas rich in renewable power, spurring investment in regions such as Scotland and supporting the transition to greener energy. While acknowledging the government’s decision, he said he would “respectfully disagree,” underlining his willingness to continue pushing for reform.
In his new role, Jackson will provide external input to the Cabinet Office board, advising on long-term priorities and implementation. His experience in scaling a fast-growing energy business is expected to influence thinking well beyond the energy sector, particularly in areas such as digital transformation, organisational efficiency, and the use of technology to improve public services.
Jackson is already a familiar presence in Westminster. Official records show he and Octopus Energy colleagues met senior Labour ministers 10 times in the 12 weeks following the general election, underlining the close ties he has built with the new government.
Speaking after his appointment, Jackson said he was proud to be able to contribute to public service. “Finding ways to improve services without spending more is key to public services, the economy and our society,” he said. “If through business I’ve learned lessons on technology, delivery and organisation that can be useful to government, it’s an honour to share those.”
A former head of the Labour List pressure group, Jackson’s combination of political experience and corporate success makes him a prominent addition to Starmer’s advisory circle. With energy reform and efficiency in public services high on the government’s agenda, his presence on the Cabinet Office board is expected to play an influential role in shaping future policy.
