Guess who’s advising Microsoft and Anthropic now – it’s ex-UK PM

A familiar face joins Big Tech

Rishi Sunak, former U.K. prime minister, is stepping into tech’s inner circle. He’s now taking on senior, part‑time advisory roles at Microsoft and Anthropic. After leaving office in 2024, Sunak seems ready to trade debates for data and regulation for innovation.

His transition highlights how tech firms keep hiring ex-government leaders to help them navigate global politics and policy. For Sunak, it’s a chance to shape conversations on artificial intelligence and technology’s future from the other side of the table.

Microsoft’s newest strategic voice

At Microsoft, Sunak is expected to offer advice on global economic and geopolitical issues rather than day-to-day operations. This isn’t his first time working closely with the tech giant.

In 2023, while still in office, he helped announce a £2.5 billion Microsoft investment into U.K. data centers and AI infrastructure.

That collaboration helped deepen the company’s presence in Britain. His new role now extends that relationship, letting him lend insight into broader international tech trends, but not directly influence U.K. government policy.

Anthropic taps into his network

Anthropic, one of OpenAI’s biggest rivals, has also brought Sunak on board as a senior adviser. Known for its AI chatbot Claude, Anthropic has been rapidly expanding in both the U.S. and Europe. Having a former prime minister as part of its team could help the company better understand global policy shifts and AI regulation efforts.

The move aligns with Anthropic’s stated strategy of engaging with government on AI regulation and policy.

Watchdog flags potential concerns

Sunak’s dual advisory roles didn’t go unnoticed. The U.K.’s Advisory Committee on Business Appointments (ACoBA) flagged potential concerns regarding his Microsoft appointment.

They cautioned that his insider knowledge could be perceived as granting Microsoft unfair influence in future government dealings.”

The committee stressed that his connections could be perceived as providing “unfair access and influence,” especially with global AI regulations still in flux.

Sunak promises ethical distance

In response, Sunak agreed to conditions including a two‑year lobbying ban, a commitment not to advise on U.K. government policy, and limiting his work to internal strategic insight rather than external advocacy.

To make things even clearer, he said his advisory salaries would go entirely to the Richmond Project, a charity he and his wife launched earlier this year.

Charity at the center

The Richmond Project, which receives Sunak’s advisory salary, is a charity focused on improving numeracy skills and social mobility across the U.K. By redirecting his salary there, he aims to separate personal gain from his new tech roles.

That gesture could help counter public criticism that former leaders cash in on their influence. It also keeps his focus on giving back to local causes while shaping the global tech conversation.

Sunak’s big moves into finance and tech

Sunak’s post‑political portfolio extends beyond tech. He holds a senior advisory role at Goldman Sachs and has offered strategic and communication guidance to firms such as Bain Capital and Makena Capital.

This shift signals that his post-political trajectory is significantly oriented toward finance and tech, sectors where global outlook and regulatory insight are valued.

Former allies follow similar paths

Sunak isn’t the only British politician turning to tech. His former political adviser, Liam Booth-Smith, also joined Anthropic’s team. And Nick Clegg, another ex-U.K. politician, spent years at Meta as president of global affairs until January 2025.

These appointments reflect a growing trend of political insiders being tapped to help tech firms navigate complex regulatory landscapes.

Tech firms love policy pros

Why are companies like Microsoft and Anthropic hiring ex-politicians? The rationale is clear: experience with government and regulatory processes is extremely valuable to global tech firms.

That insight aids tech firms in interpreting regulation, anticipating policy shifts, and shaping strategic direction.

Meta’s changing policy lineup

After Nick Clegg’s exit, Meta’s new policy team includes Joel Kaplan, once a deputy chief of staff for President George W. Bush, and Dustin Carmack, a former adviser to Florida Governor Ron DeSantis.

Their appointments reinforce the same trend: tech giants pulling in political veterans who know how to read the regulatory room and build influence the right way.

Microsoft’s power network expands

 At Microsoft, the political ties go even deeper. The company’s current president of global affairs, Lisa Monaco, previously served as deputy attorney general under President Joe Biden.

Having someone like Sunak join further strengthens the firm’s ability to engage with governments worldwide, though the company insists all hires follow strict compliance rules.

A reflection of global trends

 The U.K. isn’t alone in this. The revolving door between politics and technology is spinning faster everywhere. With new laws on AI safety, privacy, and competition being drafted, companies want people who can help shape the narrative responsibly.

That’s exactly the kind of insight Sunak and his peers are now selling, and tech firms are eager to buy.

Big Tech’s regulation balancing act

As governments tighten their grip on artificial intelligence, companies like Anthropic and Microsoft are trying to stay ahead of new rules. Hiring former policymakers helps them better predict and respond to global regulations.

The challenge now is ensuring those relationships don’t cross ethical lines or blur the separation between public service and profit-driven goals.

Wonder how AI rules are shifting? See why Anthropic is blocking certain groups and what it means as U.S.-China tech tensions heat up.

Politics meets tech’s new era

Sunak’s journey from Downing Street to senior advisory roles at Microsoft and Anthropic marks a new chapter in the convergence of tech and politics. His move might raise eyebrows, but it also signals how vital government insight has become in shaping tech’s future.

For Sunak, it’s a global role with a local heart, combining leadership, strategy, and charity all at once.

Curious if Windows 10 could stay free a bit longer? See how hundreds are pushing Microsoft to keep support going and why it matters for millions of users.

What do you think about politicians joining Big Tech? Hit like or comment to share your thoughts on where this trend is headed.

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This slideshow was made with AI assistance and human editing.