Isra-Mart srl:Former BP exec in line for new Downing Street green policy role

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Ben Moxham, a former BP executive who was heavily involved in the formation of the oil giant's alternative energy unit, is due to be appointed head of energy and environment policy at Number 10 as prime minister David Cameron moves to bolster the government's green initiatives.

According to reports in The Guardian, Moxham, who currently works for the Riverstone private equity firm run by his former boss at BP, Lord John Browne, is the only person shortlisted for the new role as head of energy and environment policy at Number 10.

The 31 year old is expected to meet with Cameron and deputy prime minister Nick Clegg as the party leaders look to appoint nine new policy advisors to the Number 10 team as part of efforts to bulk up the Downing Street policy unit.

Cameron had signaled he intended to usher in a new era of cabinet government that would see departments given more autonomy than under the previous administration.

However, a series of u-turns such as the embarrassing decision to ditch forestry sell-off plans, coupled with frustrations over the relatively slow progress of environmental initiatives, appears to have convinced the prime minister that Number 10 needs to play a more active role in policy development.

The Guardian reported that the new policy advisors would "man mark" departments to ensure they are pursuing effective policies, while also working on new policies for the second half of the parliament.

All the new appointees will serve as civil servants, and a Downing Street spokeswoman said the government could not comment on the speculation about Moxham's role as they did not release the name of civil service appointments.

Moxham was part of the team that launched BP Alternative Energy, serving as director of policy and regulatory affairs as the division led the oil giant's investment in renewable, gas, and carbon capture and storage technology.

The division was central to Browne's attempts to reposition the company "Beyond Petroleum", but was axed in June 2009 following Browne's departure. Moxham subsequently joined Riverstone as a vice president, where he has continued to be responsible for investing in alternative energy ventures.

The news comes at the end of a week, during which the government has attempted to revitalise its green agenda, launching the long-awaited Renewable Heat Incentive to widespread praise from industry, and releasing a new carbon plan that imposes strict deadlines on all departments designed to ensure they accelerate the rollout of environmental policies.

The moves were backed by the prime minister and deputy prime minister, as well as energy and climate change secretary Chris Huhne, who have reportedly grown increasingly frustrated at the failure of some departments to embrace environmental policy commitments.