Former British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has been granted approval to accept paid advisory positions with U.S. tech firms Microsoft and AI startup Anthropic, according to UK sources.
In a LinkedIn post and public statements, Sunak confirmed his new roles and announced that all proceeds will be donated to The Richmond Project, a numeracy skills charity he co-founded with his wife, Akshata Murty.
Sunak became the UK prime minister in October 2022 following the resignation of Liz Truss, inheriting a country facing economic turmoil, soaring inflation, and declining public trust in the Conservative Party. His premiership focused on stabilizing the economy, reducing inflation, and restoring fiscal responsibility.
Sunak also pursued policies such as cutting NHS waiting lists, reducing illegal migration through the controversial Rwanda scheme, and strengthening post-Brexit trade arrangements, notably through the Windsor Framework.
While he maintained a steady, technocratic leadership style and upheld international commitments, especially support for Ukraine, his government struggled to convince the public that real improvements were being made in everyday life.
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By July 2024, the Conservatives faced a massive defeat in the general election, ending 14 years in power. The Labour Party, led by Keir Starmer, won a historic landslide, fuelled by public frustration over the cost of living, NHS pressures, and perceptions of Tory mismanagement.
Sunak accepted responsibility, apologized for the party’s failures, and resigned as both prime minister and conservative leader. Despite his efforts to bring stability, his tenure was ultimately overwhelmed by deep-rooted discontent and fatigue with conservative rule. His legacy remains mixed: a capable crisis manager unable to overcome broader structural and political challenges.
In September, Microsoft expanded its AI capabilities by integrating Anthropic’s Claude AI models into its Microsoft 365 Copilot suite. This integration includes Claude Sonnet 4 and Claude Opus 4.1, which are now available in tools like Researcher and Copilot Studio.
These models enhance productivity by offering improved capabilities for tasks such as report generation, data analysis, and automating complex functions in Excel and PowerPoint. The move aims to diversify Microsoft’s AI offerings, reducing its dependence on OpenAI’s technology while providing users with more flexible and powerful tools.
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Notably, Microsoft accesses Anthropic’s AI models through Amazon Web Services, reflecting the intricate partnerships shaping the AI industry. This collaboration underscores Microsoft’s strategy to broaden its AI portfolio by incorporating cutting-edge models from rival firms. The integration strengthens Microsoft’s position in the enterprise AI market, allowing it to better compete by delivering a wider range of advanced AI solutions embedded within its popular productivity platforms.
Sunak will advise Anthropic on strategy, macroeconomic and geopolitical trends and at Microsoft, he will provide strategic perspectives on macroeconomic and geopolitical trends.
Sunak’s new roles come at a pivotal time for the AI industry, as companies seek to balance rapid technological advancement with ethical and geopolitical considerations. His experience navigating complex policy landscapes equips him to help these firms anticipate and respond to global challenges, from regulatory pressures to international competition.
For Microsoft and Anthropic, having a seasoned advisor with a deep understanding of economic and political dynamics can strengthen their strategic positioning and foster responsible innovation.