- Rishi Sunak joins Microsoft and Anthropic in a paid advisory role.
- Appointments come with strict ethical conditions from the UK’s ACOBA.
What happened: Sunak joins Microsoft and Anthropic as AI adviser
Former UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has transitioned into the private sector, taking up roles as a paid adviser to Microsoft and Anthropic, two major players in the artificial intelligence industry. This move marks his first significant position since stepping down from the premiership earlier in 2025.
Sunak will advise both companies on artificial intelligence (AI) policy and global strategy, bringing his extensive experience in government and his leadership during the UK’s AI Safety Summit in 2023. His expertise in AI regulation and safety has positioned him as a valuable asset to the tech giants, which are heavily involved in shaping the future of AI technologies.
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Why it’s important
While Sunak’s new advisory roles highlight his continued influence in AI, they also raise questions about transparency and potential conflicts of interest. The UK’s Advisory Committee on Business Appointments (ACOBA) has approved the appointments but imposed stringent ethical conditions. These include a two-year lobbying ban, prohibiting Sunak from influencing UK government decisions on behalf of either Microsoft or Anthropic. He is also forbidden from using any privileged information obtained during his time in office, ensuring there is no misuse of sensitive data from his previous role.
These measures reflect the growing scrutiny of former government officials moving into high-profile private-sector roles. By enforcing these restrictions, ACOBA aims to maintain trust and integrity in both government operations and post-office employment.
Sunak’s involvement in AI policy remains crucial, as the UK seeks to maintain its position as a global leader in AI safety and regulation. His work with these companies underscores his ongoing commitment to shaping the future of AI from the private sector, following his tenure as prime minister, where he championed the need for comprehensive AI governance.
