Sunak Takes on Big Tech and AI

From No 10 to Big Tech: Sunak Charts New Course in AI World

Rishi Sunak, the former prime minister, has accepted senior advisory positions with technology corporation Microsoft and the artificial intelligence firm Anthropic. This move signals a significant transition into the private sector for the politician, who continues to represent the Richmond and Northallerton constituency. The new roles align with his premiership's focus on technology, particularly AI, and place him at the intersection of global innovation and policy.

Sunak conveyed his great pleasure in collaborating with two of the globe's most prominent tech enterprises. He plans to give his full compensation from this work to a charitable organization he established with his wife. These appointments, however, are not without oversight. A government watchdog has implemented strict conditions to manage potential conflicts of interest, reflecting the sensitive nature of former leaders engaging with powerful corporate entities.

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A Strategic Role at Microsoft

At Microsoft, Sunak will be offering top-tier strategic viewpoints regarding global macroeconomic and geopolitical situations. This position leverages his experience on the world stage, offering the technology corporation insights into the complex interplay between international affairs and the tech industry. The appointment also includes a speaking engagement at the annual Microsoft Summit, providing him with a platform to share his views.

As a significant financer in the United Kingdom, Microsoft is also a key strategic supplier to the government. The company holds substantial contracts, with a recent memorandum of understanding representing a yearly spend of £1.4 billion for digital transformation and cloud services. During his time in office, Sunak announced a £2.5 billion investment by Microsoft into the UK's AI infrastructure, underscoring their established relationship.

An Internal Think Tank at Anthropic

Sunak's function at Anthropic, a company in the artificial intelligence space that intends to rival market leaders like Google and OpenAI, is described as being very much like working within an in-house policy group. Anthropic, backed by major investors including Amazon and Google, is focused on developing "safe" AI systems. His position will involve advising on global strategy and navigating the evolving landscape of AI safety and regulation, a field he championed as prime minister.

The company holds a considerable stake in the direction of UK government policy and has already partnered with Whitehall. In February 2025, the UK's technology department signed an agreement with Anthropic to explore how its AI model, Claude, could transform public services. The collaboration aims to improve how citizens interact with government information online, making Sunak's insight particularly valuable.

Echoes of the AI Safety Summit

These appointments build on the legacy of the global conference on AI security Sunak hosted at Bletchley Park in 2023. The landmark event brought together global leaders, academics, and tech executives to address the risks and opportunities of advanced AI. It resulted in the "Bletchley Declaration," an international commitment to cooperatively manage AI's biggest threats.

A spokesperson for Anthropic highlighted this connection, noting Sunak was among the first world leaders to recognise AI's transformative potential. His experience in establishing the world's first AI Safety Institute and convening the summit provides strategic perspective as the company works to ensure AI benefits humanity. The roles position him to continue shaping the future of AI from within the private sector.

The Watchdog's Cautious Approval

The body that oversees jobs for former ministers, the Advisory Committee on Business Appointments (Acoba), approved Sunak's new roles but with stringent conditions. The watchdog's primary purpose is to protect the integrity of government by preventing former officials from improperly profiting from their time in office. Acoba recognised a "reasonable concern" that the appointments could create a perception of providing special influence and access within the state's corridors of power.

This concern is heightened by the intense global debate surrounding AI regulation. Both Microsoft and Anthropic have deep interests in UK policy, making the potential for conflicts of interest a key consideration for the committee. Acoba’s involvement underscores the growing scrutiny of the revolving door between politics and the corporate world.

Strict Guardrails in Place

To mitigate these risks, Acoba has imposed a two-year ban preventing Sunak from lobbying the UK government for the benefit of either corporation. This restriction is a standard condition applied to former ministers to create a clear boundary between their past public duties and present private interests. He is also forbidden from advising on bids for UK government contracts or using privileged information gained during his time in office.

The Cabinet Office also recommended limitations, stipulating that his role should not touch on matters he was directly involved in as prime minister. These guardrails are designed to ensure his appointments are managed with the highest standards of propriety. Adherence to this advice is a personal responsibility under the Ministerial Code.

The Passage of Time

In its assessment, Acoba noted that the time elapsed since Sunak left office helps to reduce the risks. Having stepped down as prime minister over a year ago, the watchdog reasoned that the currency of any sensitive information he possesses has diminished, especially in a fast-moving sector like AI. A change in government has also shifted the political and economic landscape, further diminishing the worth of any confidential information he might retain.

This "cooling-off" period is a key factor in Acoba's decision-making process. The committee concluded that no decisions were made while Sunak was in office in expectation of these future roles. The Cabinet Office confirmed it was unaware of any actions he took that were specific to either company, as opposed to sector-wide policies.

A Philanthropic Endeavour

Sunak has pledged that all income from his latest appointments will go to The Richmond Project. He and his wife, Akshata Murty, founded this charity in early 2025 to combat issues with numeracy across the nation. The project is named after the North Yorkshire constituency he represents and aims to help children, families, and adults build confidence with numbers.

Numeracy was another signature issue for Sunak during his period at Downing Street. The charity supports innovative ways to address the issue, including research and support for specialist organisations. This philanthropic commitment adds another dimension to his transition, aiming to use his new platform for social benefit.

Building The Richmond Project

The Richmond Project champions numeracy-related innovations and seeks to drive social mobility by helping families overcome barriers to numeracy. Trustees include Sunak, Murty, and a former director of the No 10 Policy Unit. The charity has already begun building its senior leadership team, appointing a chief executive officer and a chief programmes officer to lead its work.

Sunak has described education as the "closest thing there is to a silver bullet" for changing lives. He believes that fostering confidence with numbers can unlock significant opportunities for individuals and boost the country's social mobility. The charity's mission is to create a cultural shift where number skills become accessible to everyone.

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Returning to Finance at Goldman Sachs

Beyond these two technology appointments, Sunak has also returned to the world of finance. In July 2025, he rejoined Goldman Sachs as a senior adviser, a firm where he began his career as an analyst from 2001 to 2004. This appointment marks his first formal return to the financial sector since entering politics.

His role at the investment bank involves advising clients on global strategy, macroeconomic trends, and geopolitical developments. As with his other appointments, this position was approved by Acoba with standard conditions, including a ban on lobbying. The proceeds from this role are also being given to The Richmond Project.

A Well-Trodden Path for Former Leaders

Sunak's move into the private sector follows a pattern set by other former political leaders. Figures like former deputy prime minister Nick Clegg, who became president of global affairs for Meta, have also transitioned into influential roles at Silicon Valley giants. Former chancellors George Osborne and Sajid Javid similarly took up positions in the financial services industry following their time in public office.

These appointments highlight the value that corporations place on the policy backgrounds and global networks of former politicians. Their experience is seen as a strategic asset, particularly for companies navigating complex regulatory environments and geopolitical uncertainty. The trend, however, consistently fuels debates about ethics and influence.

From California Dreams to Yorkshire Roots

For a time, widespread discussion suggested that Mr. Sunak might depart from the House of Commons for a position in Silicon Valley soon after the election. He was a prior resident of California, maintains a residence there, and possessed a U.S. visa that was valid up to 2021. His background, which includes a Stanford MBA and a career in finance, made a move to the US tech hub seem plausible.

During his last session of prime minister's questions, however, Mr. Sunak promised to dedicate additional time to his local area, which he described as the most wonderful location in the world. He famously declared that anyone looking for him would find him in Yorkshire, reaffirming his commitment to his role as a local MP. He continues to balance his parliamentary duties with his new advisory work.

Navigating the "Revolving Door"

The appointments have reignited the long-running debate over the "revolving door" between government and the private sector. Critics raise concerns that such moves can create the perception that companies are buying privileged access or influence, even with regulatory safeguards in place. The close relationships between tech giants and government are a particular focus of scrutiny.

Microsoft, for instance, has extensive government contracts and recently committed to a new multi-billion pound investment in the United Kingdom. Anthropic is also working directly with the government to integrate its AI into public services. These existing ties make transparency and adherence to ethical guidelines all the more critical to maintaining public trust.

A Vision for Technological Transformation

In his public statements, Sunak has framed his new roles as an opportunity to help steer technological change for the public good. He has expressed a long-held conviction that technology possesses the power to reshape our society and will be a defining factor for our collective future. His work with Microsoft and Anthropic, he argues, will help ensure that the coming revolution delivers improvements in everyone's lives.

Sunak has compared the current technological shift to the industrial revolution, predicting consequences as far-reaching as the industrial revolution, only they will be experienced much more rapidly. By engaging directly with the companies at the forefront of this change, he aims to contribute to a future where innovation is harnessed responsibly and for the benefit of all society.