Rishi Sunak has recently taken on part-time advisory roles with major tech firms Microsoft and Anthropic. These appointments have raised concerns about potential conflicts of interest.
Sunak’s Advisory Role with Microsoft and Anthropic
According to the Advisory Committee on Business Appointments (Acoba), Sunak provides “high-level strategic perspectives” at Microsoft. This company is recognized as a significant investor in the UK tech landscape.
His role at Anthropic involves providing insights akin to an internal think tank. Anthropic is an AI firm in competition with industry giants such as OpenAI, Google, and Meta. Acoba stated that Anthropic’s interests strongly align with UK government policy, suggesting that Sunak’s involvement could create perceptions of “unfair access and influence” within governmental circles.
Regulations and Guidelines
Acoba has expressed that Sunak’s time away from government likely mitigates any high-value information he might possess. Nevertheless, the agency reiterated the existing rules that former ministers must follow when pursuing new employment opportunities.
- Sunak is prohibited from advising on UK contract bids.
- He cannot lobby the government for two years following his last day in office.
Other Advisory Role with Goldman Sachs
In addition to his positions at Microsoft and Anthropic, Sunak is also set to advise Goldman Sachs. He previously worked with the bank from 2001 to 2004. Speculation suggests that Sunak might transition to a full-time role in Silicon Valley following his time in government.
Personal Background and Commitment to Constituency
During his premiership from October 2022 to July 2024, Sunak expressed a deep commitment to his constituency in the UK. He has indicated a desire to spend more time in Yorkshire, referring to it as “the greatest place on Earth.”
Sunak has stated that all earnings from his new advisory positions will be donated to The Richmond Project, a charity aimed at addressing numeracy issues in the UK. This cause was of particular importance to him during his time in Downing Street.
