London, UK: Former UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has received clearance from the UK government’s Advisory Committee on Business Appointments (ACoBA) to take on two high-profile, part-time advisory roles with US-based tech firms Microsoft and Anthropic.
The approval comes with strict conditions, reflecting the sensitivity of his previous role as Prime Minister and his extensive involvement in government and technology.
Approval Comes with Restrictions
Sunak, now a backbench Conservative MP for Richmond and Northallerton, sought ACoBA approval under the government’s “Business Appointment Rules for Former Ministers.”
The committee recognized the potential risks associated with his prior access to confidential information, particularly due to his engagement with technology and artificial intelligence sectors during his premiership.
While the risk of misuse has decreased over time, ACoBA noted that Sunak may still be perceived as having privileged insights, prompting clear limitations on his advisory roles.
Under the conditions, Sunak is prohibited from using any confidential information gained in office and barred from lobbying the UK government on behalf of Microsoft or Anthropic for at least two years. These measures aim to maintain public trust and prevent any appearance of undue influence.
Advisory Roles Defined
At Microsoft, Sunak will provide strategic guidance on macroeconomic and geopolitical trends and is scheduled to speak at the annual Microsoft Summit.
His work will not include advising on UK-specific policies. At Anthropic, the AI firm backed by Amazon and Google, he will focus on global strategy, macroeconomic, and geopolitical issues, again excluding UK policy matters. In both roles, he is explicitly restricted from contacting UK government officials on behalf of either company.
Despite these being paid positions, Sunak has pledged to donate all earnings to The Richmond Project, a charity he co-founded with his wife, Akshata Murty. The organization focuses on improving numeracy and building confidence with everyday numbers among children in the UK.
Return to the Private Sector
Sunak’s appointments are part of a broader return to the private sector following his premiership. Earlier this year, he rejoined Goldman Sachs as a senior adviser and continues to engage with global financial and tech ventures.
His corporate comeback has drawn public attention, particularly given his simultaneous role as an elected MP. With regulatory approval and a charitable pledge, Sunak presents his new advisory positions as an extension of public service, aimed at supporting responsible technological development globally.