Ed Miliband's energy quango is looking for a new chief and is offering an "obscene" salary of more than £600,000 over three years, a move described as "farcical" by critics.
The successful applicant, who would serve as Chair of Great British Energy - Nuclear, which is sponsored by the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero, would earn an eye-watering £1,301 per day to work three days a week, the Government's own website admits.
The total remuneration would amount to over £203,000 per year, more than Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s £172,153 salary.
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Responding to the job advert, Conservative Peer and Chair of the Net Zero Scrutiny Group, Lord Craig Mackinlay, said: "The waste of taxpayers' money on the altar of Net Zero has seemingly no bounds.
"The new British Energy quango offer of £200k for a three-day week simply reflects the madness of what we are living through.
"Have no fear, this will end soon as the reality of unsustainable and unreliable energy costs, which other countries have turned their back on, will land in the UK as well, however belatedly."
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Labour job advert
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Mackinlay fumed: "The waste is both appalling and shameful and needs to stop, the salary is obscene, and the decision farcical."
The Government said it is on the hunt for an "exceptional candidate" with "strong communication skills" and someone who can "articulate technical concepts to generalist audiences," according to the job advert.
The role is also described as both "integral" and "exciting".
Ed Miliband, Secretary of State for Energy Security & Net Zero, made it clear that the Government wants a diverse range of applicants.
Ed Miliband also made it clear the Government wants a diverse range of applicants
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The Doncaster MP wrapped up the job advert with a direct appeal, saying: "My ministerial colleagues and I are committed to fair and open recruitment processes across all public appointments that we make.
"We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, including those from underrepresented groups.
"The message? If you’ve got the skills and the drive, they want to hear from you and are prepared to pay a considerable salary to secure an individual who will have a 'positive impact on the UK’s journey to energy security and net zero'."
Responding to the findings, John O'Connell, Chief Executive of the Taxpayers' Alliance, said: "Taxpayers are sick of overpaid quangocrats.
"GB Energy has barely found its footing, and it's already paying hundreds of thousands to a bureaucrat who doesn't even put in a full week of work."
O'Connell explained: "If this Government is serious about a bonfire of the quangos, then it needs to crack down on quango fat cat salaries."
Lord Craig Mackinlay said 'the waste of taxpayers' money on the altar of Net Zero has seemingly no bounds'
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The founder of Fair Fuel UK, Howard Cox, also slated the Government for its "ego driven arrogance" as he voiced concerns as to why Labour has become "brainwashed" with the recruitment process.
He told GB News: "The Government are spending bucket loads of taxpayers' money on subsidies and now by giving £200k to a person to do a three-day week running GB Energy.
"We have the most expensive energy in the world, yet Miliband believes three days is enough time to manage its supply."
"You couldn't make this up."
UK inflation reached 3.6 per cent in mid-2025, driven by increased energy, food, water, and transport costs.
The rise in household bills has led to tighter budgets for many individuals and families across the country.
Over 4.1 million pensioners reported feeling less financially secure than a year earlier, according to Age UK.
Many reduced spending on essentials such as heating, rent, and food, especially those living alone or renting.
Shadow Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero Claire Coutinho said: "Over half a million pounds, for one person’s salary, and for what? To run Ed Miliband’s vanity project - an energy company which won’t produce any energy and won’t cut bills.
"Labour MPs voted against our attempts last year to hold them to their election promises of cutting bills by £300, and now we know why. Bills are going up under Labour."
Labour MP Graham Stringer told the People's Channel: "The focus of great British energy should be to make the production and distribution of energy more efficient and less expensive. This expenditure can not be justified."
A Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) spokesman said: "We are appointing a permanent Chair of Great British Energy – Nuclear, who will oversee the country’s first small modular reactor programme.
"They will provide strategic direction for the organisation as it matures and ensure it operates efficiently.
"The salary will ensure value for money within the public sector, while also ensuring we attract and can retain the right calibre of candidates."