In a surprise announcement, former MP and longstanding member of Labour’s shadow energy team Dr Alan Whitehead CBE has returned to Westminster, becoming the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero’s Lords Spokesperson. Alongside this appointment, there have been some changes to the Energy Security and Net Zero Committee.
Alan Whitehead
Dr Whitehead, now Lord Whitehead of St Mary’s, is a well-known and respected figure in the energy industry, having served as the Labour Party’s Shadow Energy Minister from 2016 until his retirement from the House of Commons at the 2024 General Election. Given his strong energy knowledge, he had been widely expected to take on the Lords’ Energy Brief following the Labour Party’s election victory, after it was announced that he would not be standing in the election.
Lord Whitehead was the MP for Southampton Test from 1997 – 2024. Aside from the energy brief he also served as a Shadow Business and Trade Minister from 2016 – 2021, and as Parliamentary Under-Secretary in the Department for Transport, Local Government and the Regions from 2001 – 2002. Whitehead also served on the Environmental Audit Committee for over five years.
Lord Whitehead is the fourth appointee to the role since the July 2024 General Election, with Whip Lord Wilson of Sedgefield taking on much of the responsibilities of the role in the periods between Ministers. Lord Whitehead will have responsibility for:
- biomethane
- tidal
- geothermal
- individual planning decisions
- all departmental business in the House of Lords
Lord Vallance of Balham, who is the Minister for Science, Innovation, Research and Nuclear, will remain in his position across DESNZ and the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology.
ESNZ Committee
In light of the September Cabinet reshuffle, changes in personnel have been occurring across multiple select committees, including ESNZ Committee membership. Labour MPs Luke Murphy and Anneliese Midgley have both stepped down from the Committee, with Murphy joining the Treasury Committee, and Midgley joining the Culture, Media and Sport Committee. They have been replaced by fellow Labour MPs Graeme Downie and Lizzi Collinge.
Both MPs were elected for the first time at last year’s General Election. Lizzi Collinge is the MP for Morecambe and Lunesdale in the North West, which is considered a bellwether constituency. Prior to her election, Collinge was a member of Lancashire County Council from 2016. Her constituency is host to Heysham 1 and 2 nuclear power plants, and Collinge is a vocal advocate for the deployment new nuclear at the site. Her appointment comes as the Government announces the first small modular reactor deployment in the UK at the Wylfa site in Ynys Môn.[1]
Graeme Downie is the MP for Dunfermline and Dollar, having previously served as a councillor on Fife Council before his election to Parliament. The constituency was held by the SNP until the 2024 election. His appointment could signal Labour’s broader efforts to strengthen its position in Scotland ahead of next year’s elections. Downie was a member of the Sustainable Aviation Fuel Bill in July 2025 and is an officer of the Aviation, Travel and Aerospace APPG.
Conclusion
These appointments present a fresh opportunity for businesses across the energy sector to engage with new stakeholders, while also offering an indication of the areas that may shape future ESNZ Committee inquiries. Lord Whitehead’s arrival as DESNZ Minister is likely to open up avenues for engagement within the industries under his remit, while Lord Vallance’s continuation with the nuclear brief ensures continuity in a portfolio that has been a central focus for previous ministers.
Brevia Energy is a dedicated division of Brevia Consulting, and has a longstanding reputation for its expertise and experience in the Energy Sector.
To organise a discussion with Brevia Energy on how we can help you and your organisation, please get in touch via the link here. You can also contact the Brevia Energy Team on 020 7091 1650 or email contact@brevia.co.uk
References
[1] Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, ‘North Wales to pioneer UK’s first small modular reactors’, 13 November 2025, Link
