
MPs have accused the CEO of Southern Water of “pure greed” and urged Lawrence Gosden to refuse a ‘massive payout’ after it emerged that his salary was set to double to £1.4m.
The 19 Labour MPs who represent constituents served by Southern Water said they were “appalled” by the “shameful and blatant” attempt by the company to get around a bonus ban.
In a letter, they listed recent failures including “major flooding,” “sewage spills” and “eye-watering bill hikes of 46.7%,” as reasons not to reward the firm’s boss.
The MPs wrote: “Customers will be shocked that while they are being asked to pay more, you will be laughing all the way to the bank.
“We urge you to do the right thing and decline this disgraceful payment for failure.”
Mr Gosden was awarded £691,000 under a two-year long-term incentive plan on top of his current salary of £687,000.
This is despite Southern Water being banned from paying bonuses after a serious sewage leak in the New Forest in Hampshire last year.
It comes as the Environment Secretary Steve Reed announced that new legislation would rule out these types of pay increases in future.
The government has confirmed that water regulator Ofwat is to be scrapped, following the publication of a landmark report.
Speaking over the weekend, Mr Reed described the pay rise as “outrageous” and called on Mr Gosden to turn it down.
He told the BBC: “I don’t think Southern Water has performed well enough for that kind of pay increase to be merited.”
Read more:
Key recommendations from the water report
Labour to eliminate unauthorised sewage spillages in 10 years
Southern Water has previously defended the decision, saying they have not paid out bonuses and have made record investments in order to turn around the failing business.
The company has been approached for comment.
Source link
Khamrah by Lattafa for Men - 3.4 oz EDP Spray
4% OffGhost Sweetheart Eau de Toilette | Pineapple, Jasmine and Sandalwood | Perfume for Women 50 ml
50% OffMarc Jacobs Dot Eau De Parfum for Women, 100 ml
42% OffTed Baker W Eau de Toilette for Her, Fig Leaf, White Peony and Violet Top Notes, Pink Orchid and Raspberry Middle Notes, 75ml
£11.77 (£15.69 / 100 ml) (as of 07/05/2026 03:12 GMT +01:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)Ted Baker Woman Pink Eau de Toilette Spray Floral Green Feminine Fragrance, Opening Notes are Fresh Peach, Bergamot and Tangerine with Warm Musk, Vanilla and Vetiver Base, 100ml
11% OffVera Wang Princess Eau de Toilette - 30 ml
Choco Musk 50ml Eau De Parfum for men and women | Chocolate Musk by Jannat Aromas
17% OffChristina Aguilera Signature Eau de Parfum (50ml) Floral, Fruity & Exotic Scent, Luxury Fragrance for Women
9% OffCalvin Klein - Eau De Toilette CKIN2U - Calvin Klein Women, Ladies Perfume, Women's Perfume, Calvin Klein Perfume, Calvin Klein One - 150 ml
5% OffJimmy Choo Flash Eau de Parfum, 60 ml (Pack of 1)
3% OffFruit of the Loom Men's Heavy T Shirt, White, XL UK
28% OffATNKE LED Lighted Beanie Cap,USB Rechargeable Running Hat Ultra Bright 4 LED Waterproof Light Winter Warm Gifts for Men and Women/Pink
Now retrieving the rating.
17% OffMen's 1/4 Zip Pullover UK Sale Clearance, Fleece Sweatshirt Casual Jumper Long Sleeve T-shirt Top Stand Collar Sweater Plain Pullover Sports Leisure Workwear Quarter Zip Sweater Lightweight Jumpers
Now retrieving the rating.
