The new head of Ed Miliband‘s net zero department has been slammed as a hypocrite after it emerged that he still heats his home with an oil boiler. The Energy Secretary appointed Ofgem chief executive Jonathan Brearley to a head role in his Government department last week. Mr Brearley said he would focus on « bringing down bills and delivering clean, homegrown power » in the role, but Mr Miliband’s net zero drive has attracted criticism for encouraging households to jump on the electric vehicle and heat pump bandwagons, both of which will prove pricey in the short term.
The energy regulator boss also reportedly relies on an oil pump to power his Buckinghamshire home, sparking accusations of hypocrisy from the Conservatives and Reform UK. Tory shadow energy minister Andrew Bowie said: « People should have the freedom to choose how they heat their homes instead of being forced into costly upgrades they cannot afford. »
Richard Tice, deputy leader of Reform UK, also told The Sun: « The incoming permanent secretary using an oil boiler while pushing extortionate heat pumps onto the public shows that those in charge don’t believe the drivel they are forcing on everyone else.
« This hypocrisy proves once again that for Labour, it’s one rule for them and another for the public. »
Air source heat-pumps typically cost between £8,000 and £18,000, with ministers currently offering £7,500 grants to help households make the transition. In contrast, a gas boiler usually costs between £2,000 and £5,000.
A spokesperson for Ofgem said: « Jonathan has already moved much of his energy use to cleaner options, with solar panels and an electric car, while using heating oil for part of his home. »
Mr Brearley, who will continue acting as CEO of Ofgem until a replacement is found, was appointed as new permanent secretary at the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ)on March 6.
Announcing the appointment, Mr Miliband said: « Jonathan has spent his career driving for Britain’s energy security and is a deeply experienced, dedicated and imaginative public servant.
« As we continue to deliver our clean energy mission to bring down energy bills for families and take back control of our energy with clean homegrown power, I am delighted to welcome Jonathan to lead the department. »
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