From the Guardian · · 1m 30s
Tom Watson joins Palantir as revolving door spins
Former Labour deputy leader takes full-time role at controversial AI firm amid NHS contract battles.
In brief
Former Labour deputy leader takes full-time role at controversial AI firm amid NHS contract battles. Senior British politicians are increasingly moving into lucrative tech industry roles, raising concerns about conflicts of interest and privileged access. Originally reported by the Guardian.
Labour peer joins Palantir full-time
Tom Watson, former Labour deputy leader, has taken a senior vice-president role at the controversial US AI company Palantir as it battles government pressure over contracts.
Palantir fights multiple contract battles
The company is defending a 330 million pound NHS contract against pressure from Andy Burnham's government and fighting Sadiq Khan in court over a 50 million pound Metropolitan police AI deal.
Controversial company with global reach
Palantir was co-founded by Trump supporter Peter Thiel and provides AI software to the Israeli military and US immigration enforcement, sparking public backlash over its UK public sector involvement.
Watson's government experience runs deep
Watson served as defence minister and digital engagement minister under Gordon Brown and has advised on gambling and music since leaving parliament in 2019. He was a part-time Palantir adviser since 2024.
Tech industry's revolving door accelerates
Nick Clegg earned millions at Meta, Rishi Sunak joined Anthropic and Microsoft, George Osborne works for OpenAI, and Keir Starmer's AI adviser Matt Clifford joined Anthropic this month.
“The revolving door is proving very fruitful for big tech.”
Campaign group calls for five-year ban
Unlock Democracy argues that only an enforceable five-year ban on industry posts can stop tech companies from benefiting from privileged information acquired by ministers and senior civil servants.
Here's the gist
Senior British politicians are increasingly moving into lucrative tech industry roles, raising concerns about conflicts of interest and privileged access.
