Former British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has officially taken on the role of part-time advisor to two major technology companies, Microsoft and Anthropic.
Although he has not served as prime minister since July 2024, Sunak remains active as an MP for Richmond and Northallerton.
Sunak's appointment is intended to strengthen both companies' internal strategy and policy teams, particularly in the areas of artificial intelligence (AI) and global regulation.
At Microsoft, Sunak will provide high-level strategic insight into geopolitical trends. Meanwhile, at Anthropic, an AI startup founded by former OpenAI executives and backed by Google, his role will be similar to an internal think tank , helping to develop ideas with thorough research and thought.
However, the position comes with strict restrictions imposed by the watchdog Acoba, which is tasked with preventing conflicts of interest for former government officials. For two years, Sunak is banned from lobbying the UK government or entering into contracts related to the two companies.
Acoba highlighted that Microsoft has significant investments in the UK and Anthropic has significant interests in government policy, so there are concerns about the potential for unfair influence.
