Criticism Grows Over GB Energy Leadership Location

Juergen Maier, the newly appointed chair of Labour's GB Energy, will be based in Greater Manchester despite the company's headquarters being established in Aberdeen. This decision has drawn significant criticism from Scottish political figures, particularly the SNP and Scottish Conservatives, who argue that it undermines the government's commitment to Scotland's energy needs. SNP MP Dave Doogan and Alba MSP Ash Regan have highlighted that the arrangement exemplifies the UK's 'command and miscontrol' of Scottish resources. Maier, who previously led Siemens UK, has promised that GB Energy will create hundreds of jobs, potentially reaching over 1,000. However, critics view his physical absence from Aberdeen as a lack of genuine commitment to the region, with concerns that this reflects a broader failure in UK energy policy. The UK Government maintains that Maier will regularly engage with Scottish businesses despite his base being in Salford.