Theresa May has been appointed as chair of the sustainable business organisation, the Aldersgate Group.
The former prime minister and MP for Maidenhead is set to take over from former Labour MP Joan Walley who has held the position for two terms from Tuesday 20 July 2021.
During her time as prime minister, May brought in the UK’s net zero by 2050 commitment, highlighted the Aldersgate Group, along with overseeing the Clean Growth Strategy and the decision to end unabated coal-fired electricity generation in the UK by 2025.
The appointment is a landmark moment for the group it said, bringing immense leadership to the role as it looks forward to a critical year.
We are at a “crucial crossroad for our climate and the environment,” said May. “As Prime Minister, I was proud to lead the UK to be the first major economy to enshrine the net-zero emissions target into law and publish a strategy to overturn the decline in nature within a generation. It is vital we now accelerate our progress towards these ambitious targets and develop clear delivery plans.”
As well as the appointment of a new chair, the Aldersgate Group is also welcoming a number of new members including Octopus Energy. It joins a host businesses, NGOs, professional institutes, and academic institutions, including National Grid, Orsted, ScottishPower and the Energy Saving Trust.
Nick Molho, executive director of the Aldersgate Group welcomed May, saying “Decisions made in the next few years will determine whether the UK economy is on a credible pathway towards net zero emissions and whether the country is on track for overturning the decline in its natural environment within a generation.
“Mrs May’s unrivalled experience and her passion for the climate, environmental and clean growth agenda will be a huge asset to the organisation. As a Group, we would like to give our profound thanks to our outgoing Chair Joan Walley who has been an inspiring leader and a key part of the Aldersgate Group’s success over the past six years.”
