The three candidates put forward by Mike Cannon-Brookes’ firm as directors for AGL Energy but rejected by the board have simultaneously declared their independence from the tech billionaire in response to doubts voiced by AGL chairman Patricia McKenzie and others.

Near-identical “statements of independence” sent to directors by Kerry Schott, Christine Holman and John Pollaers, dated October 19, come amid a mounting wrangle over the make-up of the board to navigate the troubled energy supplier through the transition to low-carbon energy.