Rishi Sunak's New Advisory Roles at Microsoft and Anthropic: Implications and Oversight

Former British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has accepted part-time senior advisory positions with U.S. technology giants Microsoft and Anthropic, an artificial intelligence startup. Announced on October 9, 2025, these roles come just over a year after Sunak's tenure as Prime Minister, which lasted from October 2022 to July 2024. He remains a Member of Parliament for Richmond and Northallerton.

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In his advisory capacity, Sunak will provide "high-level strategic perspectives" on macroeconomic and geopolitical trends to both companies. His role at Microsoft will involve insights on how these trends intersect with innovation, regulation, and digital transformation. At Anthropic, his responsibilities are described as akin to operating as an internal think tank, focusing on global strategic matters rather than UK-specific policy.

Former UK PM Rishi Sunak Joins Microsoft and Anthropic as Senior Adviser

The Advisory Committee on Business Appointments (Acoba), which oversees post-government employment for former ministers, has imposed strict guidelines on Sunak's new roles. He is prohibited from lobbying UK government officials on behalf of either company for two years following his departure from office. Additionally, he cannot advise on bidding for UK government contracts or draw upon any privileged information from his time in government. Acoba noted that while Sunak's insights as a former Prime Minister are valuable, the passage of time has likely diminished the relevance of any confidential information he may possess.

Former British PM Rishi Sunak cleared for part-time advisory roles at Microsoft, Anthropic, with caveats

Concerns have been raised regarding the potential for "unfair access and influence" within the UK government due to Sunak's appointments, particularly given that both Microsoft and Anthropic have significant interests in UK policy. Microsoft, for instance, has a memorandum of understanding with the UK government representing a yearly spend of £1.4 billion on digital transformation and AI services. Acoba acknowledged these risks but concluded that Sunak's time away from government would mitigate them.

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Sunak has committed to donating all earnings from his advisory roles to The Richmond Project, a charity he co-founded with his wife, Akshata Murty, aimed at improving numeracy skills across the UK. This philanthropic focus aligns with his previous commitments during his time in office, where he emphasized the importance of education and technology.

Rishi Sunak Joins Microsoft and Anthropic as Senior Adviser, Donates Earnings to Charity

In a LinkedIn post, Sunak expressed his excitement about working with "two of the world’s leading tech firms," stating, "I have long believed that technology will transform our world and play a key part in determining our future." He further emphasized the significance of the current technological revolution, comparing its impact to that of the industrial revolution.

Rishi Sunak appointed advisor at Microsoft and Anthropic

Despite the regulatory oversight, critics have voiced concerns about the appropriateness of a former Prime Minister taking on such roles, especially in sectors where he previously had significant influence. The potential for perceived conflicts of interest remains a contentious topic among political opponents and watchdogs alike.

Former UK PM Rishi Sunak Joins Microsoft and AI Firm Anthropic as Senior Adviser

Rishi Sunak's transition into advisory roles at Microsoft and Anthropic marks a significant shift from public office to the private sector, reflecting his ongoing engagement with technology and policy. While the ethical guidelines set by Acoba aim to mitigate potential conflicts of interest, the scrutiny surrounding his appointments underscores the delicate balance between public service and corporate influence in today's rapidly evolving technological landscape.

Rishi Sunak Takes Dual Advisory Roles at Microsoft and Anthropic