Sunak Secures Senior Silicon Seats
Former UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak is joining tech giant Microsoft and artificial intelligence firm Anthropic as a senior advisor, according to a report by The Guardian. The news was also covered by TechCrunch.
A letter released by the UK Parliament’s Advisory Committee on Business Appointments (ACOBA) has raised concerns that Sunak’s appointment could allow “Microsoft to gain an unfair advantage,” given his close involvement with government policies and confidential information during his tenure as Prime Minister.
In 2023, under Sunak’s administration, the UK signed a £2.5 billion deal with Microsoft, through which the company invested in new data centers and technology training programs.
ACOBA further noted, “At a time when global debates on artificial intelligence regulation are ongoing, there is reasonable concern that Sunak’s appointment could create opportunities to influence government decisions.”
Sunak has clarified that he will not provide advice on policymaking or government matters, focusing instead on high-level analysis of the global economy and geopolitical trends. He also stated that his salary for this role will be donated to a charitable organization called the Richmond Project, which he founded with his wife.
Currently, Sunak also serves as a senior advisor at Goldman Sachs. His former political aide, Liam Booth-Smith, is presently working with Anthropic.
Previously, Liberal Democrat leader and former Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg served as Meta’s global policy president until January 2025.
