On 26 February 2025, United Utilities Chief Executive Louise Beardmore told MPs:

"Our performance isn't good enough."

Those were honest words.

Today, we are asking her to match those words with an equally powerful act of leadership.

Recent reports state that Ms Beardmore has been awarded a £435,000 share allowance after being prevented from receiving a performance-related bonus.

Whether the payment complies with the rules is not the point of this petition.

Leadership is about more than what is permitted.

It is about setting an example.

We therefore respectfully call on Louise Beardmore to decline or return the £435,000 allowance.

Doing so would send a powerful message that accountability starts at the top and that public trust matters more than personal reward.

No law can compel this.

Only leadership can.

If, as Ms Beardmore told MPs, United Utilities' performance "isn't good enough", then voluntarily declining this payment would demonstrate that those words were more than a soundbite.

It would show customers, employees and shareholders that accountability is not just expected of others—it begins with the Chief Executive.

If you believe leadership should be measured by actions as well as words, please sign this petition.