Former UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has accepted paid advisory positions with technology giant Microsoft and artificial intelligence firm Anthropic. The appointments have been reviewed by a government watchdog, which has placed restrictions on his activities, including a ban on lobbying ministers for two years.
Sunak, who continues to serve as the Member of Parliament for Richmond and Northallerton, has stated that all earnings from these roles will be donated to a charity he co-founded to address numeracy issues in the United Kingdom.
Key Takeaways
- Rishi Sunak has taken on part-time advisory roles at Microsoft and AI startup Anthropic.
- The appointments were approved by the Advisory Committee on Business Appointments (Acoba) with a two-year lobbying ban.
- All proceeds from these positions will be donated to The Richmond Project, a numeracy charity founded by Sunak and his wife.
- Sunak remains an active MP for his constituency in Yorkshire.
- These roles align with his focus on technology and AI regulation during his time as prime minister.
Details of the New Technology Roles
The new positions place the former prime minister at the heart of the rapidly evolving technology sector. According to letters published by the Advisory Committee on Business Appointments (Acoba), the roles are designed to leverage his high-level experience in government and global affairs.
Microsoft Strategic Adviser
At Microsoft, Sunak's part-time role will involve providing "high-level strategic perspectives" on geopolitical trends. This position will draw on his experience as a world leader in navigating complex international relations, a key area of interest for a multinational corporation like Microsoft.
A Focus on Geopolitics
Microsoft operates globally and is a major investor in the UK. Understanding geopolitical shifts is crucial for its strategic planning, supply chains, and market expansion. Sunak's insights are expected to inform the company's long-term strategy.
Anthropic Internal Think Tank
His role at Anthropic, an AI company competing with industry leaders like OpenAI and Google, is described as being "akin to operating as an internal think tank." Anthropic is focused on developing safe and reliable AI systems, a subject Sunak championed during his premiership.
This position will likely involve advising on the broader societal and ethical implications of artificial intelligence, aligning with the company's stated mission of building beneficial AI.
Regulatory Scrutiny and Conditions
The appointments were subject to review by Acoba, an independent watchdog responsible for overseeing the post-government employment of former ministers and senior officials. The committee's primary role is to prevent former public servants from improperly using their knowledge and contacts.
What is Acoba?
The Advisory Committee on Business Appointments provides advice to former ministers on appointments they wish to take up after leaving office. It enforces Business Appointment Rules, which are designed to avoid any suspicion that an appointment is a reward for past favours or that a former minister might disclose privileged information.
In its letters of advice, Acoba acknowledged that both appointments presented potential risks. The committee noted that Anthropic "has a significant interest in UK government policy," and Sunak's appointment could be perceived as offering "unfair access and influence."
A similar concern was raised regarding the role at Microsoft, which is a major investor in the UK and frequently engages with government departments. However, Acoba concluded that the time elapsed since Sunak left office would have reduced the currency of any sensitive information he possesses.
"The Committee's advice is that you should not draw on any privileged information available to you from your time in office. Further, you must not become personally involved in lobbying the UK government or any of its bodies on behalf of your new employers for a period of two years from your last day in ministerial office."
To mitigate these risks, Acoba imposed a standard two-year ban, prohibiting Sunak from lobbying the government on behalf of Microsoft or Anthropic. He is also barred from advising the companies on securing UK government contracts.
Commitment to Philanthropy and Constituency
Sunak has publicly committed to donating the entirety of his earnings from these new advisory roles. The funds will go to The Richmond Project, a charity he and his wife established to improve numeracy skills across the UK.
Improving numeracy was a signature policy goal for Sunak during his tenure in Downing Street, where he often spoke about the importance of mathematics education for the country's future economic prosperity.
Remaining in Parliament
Despite speculation that he might relocate to California, where he previously lived and still owns a home, Sunak has affirmed his commitment to his constituents. After the recent election, he vowed to remain the MP for Richmond and Northallerton.
In his final Prime Minister's Questions, he stated his intention to spend more time in his constituency, which he called "the greatest place on Earth." His decision to take on these part-time advisory roles while continuing as an MP follows a path taken by other former prime ministers.
Other Post-Premiership Roles
- In addition to the two tech roles, it was previously confirmed that Sunak will act as a paid advisor to the investment bank Goldman Sachs, where he worked from 2001 to 2004.
- His focus on AI as prime minister culminated in the UK hosting the first global AI Safety Summit in 2023.
In a social media post announcing the new roles, Sunak reiterated his belief in the power of technology.
"I have long believed that technology will transform our world and play a key part in determining our future. We stand on the edge of a technological revolution whose impacts will be as profound as those of the industrial revolution: and felt more quickly."
He added that he would use his new positions to help ensure that these technological changes lead to tangible improvements in people's lives.