In fact, Rishi Sunak accepted paid advisory positions at tech giant Microsoft and the AI startup Anthropic. He remained the Member of Parliament for Richmond and Northallerton. This step would mark a big departure for Sunak. He served as the UK Prime Minister from October 2022 to July 2024.
In his new roles, Sunak will produce thought leadership on emerging geopolitical trends at Microsoft. He will serve as an internal think tank on AI policy for Anthropic. He was particularly keen to shed light on the collaboration with two of the world’s foremost tech companies. He’s passionate about technology’s potential to change lives.
Sunak emphasized, “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 intends to donate the proceeds he receives from these government advisory roles. With it, he plans to fund a charity he established, highlighting his dedication to social responsibility.
As the new prime minister, rules in place limit how he can use his new position. He cannot advise on how to bid for UK contracts. He is prohibited from lobbying the federal government for two years after his departure from the cabinet. These sensible measures go a long way toward directly alleviating fears over possible conflicts of interest. Unsurprisingly, critics have sounded the alarm about the potential for “preferential treatment and undue influence” from this new corporate government supplier.
The former Prime Minister lived in California before entering politics, and still owns a house there. He kept a US visa until 2021, testifying to his deep ties to the United States that go back to his childhood. Prior to his own political rise, Sunak routinely touted his experience from Goldman Sachs—where he worked from 2001 to 2004. In addition, in a part-time capacity, he is a paid advisor to the bank.
Sunak’s association with Anthropic is particularly noteworthy due to the company’s significant interest in UK government policy. His wisdom would be sorely needed at this time, as the administration seeks to make the right call through a gauntlet of new and disruptive technologies.
In response to inquiries about his availability, he humorously stated, “If anyone needs me, I will be in Yorkshire,” indicating his intention to remain accessible despite his new commitments.