MAY 19: Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, Ed Miliband arrives at Downing Street. (Peter Nicholls/Getty Images)

The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) has lost two ministers in the span of a month in a blow to Energy Secretary Ed Miliband.

Philip Hunt, nuclear minister, retired less than a year into his tenure, citing wanting to spend more time with his family.

He was followed in short succession by Margaret Curran, who was appointed on the 22nd May. She stepped down on Friday, citing health reasons.

The resignations come amidst talks that the government’s net zero mission could be at stake following next week’s spending review.

The turnover is unlikely to help the DESNZ ministers lobby for a better deal.

Whitehall’s environmentalists are concerned

See Full Page