Key Takeaway
Rishi Sunak, the former British Prime Minister, has taken on paid advisory roles at Microsoft and Anthropic, following a trend of politicians transitioning to tech firms for their policy expertise. Despite his defeat in the July 2024 election, Sunak will continue serving as MP for Richmond and Northallerton while providing strategic advice to these companies. The Advisory Committee on Business Appointments has set conditions for his roles, including a two-year lobbying ban. Sunak emphasizes the transformative potential of technology in shaping the future.
Today, the journey from Whitehall to Silicon Valley is a well-established route. This contemporary pilgrimage has become a favored post-political move for ministers and businesses alike, as companies seek to gain valuable policy insights.
Rishi Sunak is the latest British MP to embark on this path, following in the footsteps of others. It has come to light that the former Prime Minister has accepted paid advisory positions at both Microsoft and Anthropic, in addition to a similar role at his previous employer, Goldman Sachs.
Sunak, who faced a significant defeat in the July 2024 election, is poised to provide strategic guidance to both tech companies while continuing his role as Member of Parliament for Richmond and Northallerton.
Why Microsoft seeks political insights
The Advisory Committee on Business Appointments has set conditions for both roles, including a prohibition on lobbying ministers for either company for two years.
“I have long believed that technology will transform our world and play a crucial role in shaping our future.”
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