Sunak Joins Microsoft and Anthropic as Advisor After Premiership

Rishi Sunak Joins Microsoft and Anthropic as Advisor

Former UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has accepted senior advisory roles with Microsoft and Anthropic, two of the world's leading tech companies. These appointments mark a significant shift for Sunak, who served as prime minister from October 2022 to July 2024, as he transitions into the tech industry with a focus on artificial intelligence (AI) and strategic innovation.

The news was revealed through letters published by the Advisory Committee on Business Appointments (Acoba). Sunak's new roles add to his existing commitments as an advisor to Goldman Sachs International and as a speaker for investment firms, where he has earned substantial fees for his appearances.

Microsoft and Anthropic: Strategic Focus on AI

Microsoft, a global tech giant, has been investing heavily in AI and cloud services. During his time as prime minister, Sunak oversaw a £2.5 billion deal with Microsoft at the Bletchley Park AI summit in November 2023. This deal included commitments to build new datacenters in the UK, further solidifying Microsoft's presence in the region.

Anthropic, valued at $180 billion, is a major player in the AI industry. The company is focused on developing AI tools and advancing the race for artificial general intelligence (AGI), which refers to AI with human-level or greater capabilities. Anthropic's CEO has predicted that AI could eliminate half of all entry-level white-collar jobs within the next five years, highlighting the transformative potential of the technology.

Sunak's Role and Responsibilities

In his new advisory positions, Sunak will provide strategic perspectives on macro-economic and geopolitical trends. He has stated that he will focus on helping both companies navigate the complexities of technology's role in economies, security, and society. Sunak has also committed to donating his salaries from these roles to the Richmond Project, a charity co-founded with his wife, which aims to boost social mobility through numeracy.

Liam Booth-Smith, Sunak's former senior political advisor, has also joined Anthropic, further strengthening the connection between the former prime minister and the AI firm.

Concerns About Conflicts of Interest

Sunak's appointments have raised questions about potential conflicts of interest, given Microsoft's large contracts with UK government departments. Acoba approved the appointments with specific conditions to prevent any undue influence. One notable contract involves a yearly spend of £1.4 billion for digital transformation, AI adoption, and cloud services.

Acoba acknowledged the risk that Sunak's roles could be perceived as offering unfair access and influence within the UK government. This concern is heightened by the ongoing global debate surrounding AI regulation. However, Sunak assured the committee that his roles would be internally focused and would not involve lobbying.

The Broader Context of AI and Politics

Sunak's move into the tech industry follows a trend of former politicians joining Silicon Valley giants. Nick Clegg, the former Deputy Prime Minister of the UK, currently works for Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram. This trend underscores the growing intersection between politics and technology, as leaders from both sectors collaborate to shape the future of AI and its impact on society.

Sunak's belief that the world is on the brink of a technological revolution as impactful as the industrial revolution reflects the broader sentiment in the tech industry. As AI continues to advance, its potential to reshape economies and societies is becoming increasingly clear.

Looking Ahead

Sunak's advisory roles with Microsoft and Anthropic position him at the forefront of the AI revolution. His strategic insights and political experience could prove invaluable as these companies navigate the complexities of AI development and regulation. However, the appointments also highlight the need for careful management of potential conflicts of interest and the ongoing debate surrounding the ethical use of AI.

As the tech industry continues to evolve, the collaboration between political leaders and tech giants will play a crucial role in shaping the future of AI and its impact on the world.