Rishi Sunak, the former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, has officially stepped into the world of artificial intelligence. In October 2025, he began serving as a senior advisor to both Microsoft and Anthropic, two of the most influential AI companies on the planet.
His role at Microsoft focuses on global AI strategy, including economic and geopolitical trends that shape technology’s future. At Anthropic, he advises on AI safety and innovation, continuing his previous work on responsible technology policy. Both roles are part-time and were approved by the UK’s ethics watchdog, the Advisory Committee on Business Appointments (ACOBA).
For many, the move was unexpected. Just a year ago, Sunak was leading discussions on global AI governance at the UK’s AI Safety Summit. Now, he has crossed over to work directly with the industry he once sought to regulate.
“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. In my role as a senior adviser, I want to help these companies ensure that this shift delivers the improvements in all of our lives that it can.” — Rishi Sunak
Fast Facts
- Rishi Sunak now serves as a part-time AI advisor to Microsoft and Anthropic.
- Both roles focus on AI safety, global strategy, and responsible innovation.
- Approved by the UK’s ethics watchdog ACOBA under strict transparency rules.
- All earnings will be donated to The Richmond Project, a UK education charity.
- The move highlights Sunak’s shift from politics to shaping global AI governance.
Why Rishi Sunak Joined Microsoft and Anthropic as AI Advisor
Sunak has described his decision as a natural continuation of his vision for safe and inclusive AI. During his time as Prime Minister from 2022 to 2024, he championed global cooperation on AI ethics and launched the AI Safety Institute. His leadership at the 2023 AI Safety Summit positioned the UK as a key player in global AI policy, working alongside companies like Microsoft and Anthropic.
“I have long believed that technology will transform our world and play a key part in determining our future. I am excited to help these two companies, as they address the big strategic questions about how to make technology work for our economies, our security and our society.” — Rishi Sunak
In his statement on LinkedIn, Sunak said the new roles allow him to “extend public service into the private sector.” Supporters argue that his government experience gives him unique insight into how AI can balance innovation with risk control.
His professional background adds credibility to that claim. Before entering politics, Sunak studied philosophy, politics, and economics at Oxford, worked at Goldman Sachs, and spent years in finance and technology investment. His track record with tech-focused policies suggests a consistent interest in how innovation shapes economies.
Ethics and Oversight: ACOBA Rules on Sunak’s AI Roles
Although ACOBA approved both appointments, it imposed strict boundaries. Sunak cannot lobby UK officials for two years, cannot advise on UK policy or government contracts, and cannot use privileged information from his time in office.
These restrictions mirror past cases, such as former Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg’s move to Meta in 2018. Ethics organizations, including Transparency International, have acknowledged Sunak’s decision to donate all earnings but remain cautious. They warn that the “revolving door” between government and corporate power can blur the line between public duty and private gain.
No violations have been reported so far, but watchdogs continue to monitor whether his advice might indirectly influence government actions or contracts involving Microsoft or Anthropic.
Public opinion is mixed. Supporters see Sunak’s role as a global bridge between policymaking and AI innovation. Critics view it as another example of political figures joining powerful corporations for influence.
Where is Rishi Sunak donating his AI earnings?
One of the most discussed elements of Sunak’s new chapter is his pledge to donate all earnings from his advisory roles to The Richmond Project. The charity, which he co-founded with his wife Akshata Murty, aims to improve numeracy and social mobility across the UK.
In a LinkedIn post, Sunak said that “the proceeds from the roles will be donated in full to The Richmond Project.”
The Richmond Project launched in 2025 and operates under full transparency through the UK Charity Commission. While the exact compensation for Sunak’s roles remains undisclosed, experts estimate similar advisory positions can pay between £100,000 and £500,000 per year.
Supporters praise his decision as an ethical safeguard. It diverts potential criticism of self-enrichment toward a socially beneficial cause. Still, skeptics question whether a donation pledge alone is enough to counter concerns about influence and access to powerful networks.
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How His Role Could Shape Global AI Governance
Sunak’s move could have ripple effects on global AI policy. Microsoft and Anthropic are both central players in the AI safety movement. Microsoft integrates AI ethics into its Azure cloud services, while Anthropic is known for its “constitutional AI” approach, an attempt to align AI models with human values.
By advising both companies, Sunak connects his government experience with corporate strategy. Analysts suggest his input could influence how AI safety standards evolve internationally, especially in UK-EU collaborations.
However, this dual role also raises potential conflicts. If Microsoft or Anthropic engage in UK projects connected to public policy, Sunak’s past influence may become a point of scrutiny. ACOBA’s restrictions aim to reduce this risk, but organizations like the Alan Turing Institute continue to caution about “corporate capture,” where private companies gain too much sway over regulation.
According to published ACOBA advice, Sunak’s work “will focus on international issues, economic strategy, and the broader impact of AI,” rather than UK-specific matters.
Public and Political Reactions to Rishi Sunak’s AI Move
Reaction across political lines has been split. Labour politicians have criticized the appointments as part of a culture where elites recycle power through corporate networks. Conservative allies frame it as a win for British expertise, exporting leadership to the global AI stage.
Media coverage echoes this divide. Outlets such as the BBC and The Guardian focus on ethical implications, while the Financial Times highlights Sunak’s strategic fit in shaping AI’s global future.
Among the public, discussion threads on Reddit and X reflect skepticism. Many users question whether figures like Sunak can remain impartial while advising billion-dollar tech companies. Others applaud him for continuing his AI safety work beyond politics.
What does Rishi Sunak’s AI pivot mean for his legacy?
Rishi Sunak’s transition marks a broader shift in how political leaders stay relevant in the technology era. Similar to Al Gore joining Apple’s board or Nick Clegg’s rise at Meta, Sunak’s move shows how governments increasingly depend on private sector leaders to drive innovation.
His charity pledge and focus on AI ethics suggest a blend of personal legacy-building and strategic positioning. Whether this will strengthen global AI safety or deepen concerns about political influence in tech remains to be seen.
But one thing is clear: Sunak’s pivot from policymaker to AI strategist reflects a new reality. The boundary between political power and corporate innovation is fading fast, and the people shaping tomorrow’s technology are no longer just engineers—they are the policymakers who once wrote its rules.
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FAQs
Rishi Sunak serves as a part-time senior advisor at Microsoft and Anthropic, focusing on AI safety, global economic strategy, and responsible innovation. Both roles were approved by the UK’s ethics watchdog, ACOBA, with strict conditions on lobbying and policy involvement.
Sunak described the move as an extension of his public service, aiming to guide safe and inclusive AI development. His experience leading the 2023 AI Safety Summit and shaping UK tech policy positioned him to influence global AI governance from within the private sector.
The Richmond Project is a UK-based charity co-founded by Rishi Sunak and his wife, Akshata Murty. It supports education and numeracy programs to improve social mobility. Sunak pledged to donate all income from his advisory roles to this charity to promote transparency and public trust.