Rishi Sunak 2025: New Roles at Microsoft and AI Startup Anthropic

London, October 10, 2025 —
Rishi Sunak 2025: New Roles at Microsoft and AI Startup Anthropic while remaining MP. Former UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has taken up paid advisory roles with tech giant Microsoft and artificial intelligence startup Anthropic, while remaining the MP for Richmond and Northallerton. Sunak, who led the UK government from October 2022 to July 2024, said he was “delighted” to work with two of the world’s leading tech firms. In line with his pledge, all earnings from these roles will be donated to The Richmond Project, a charity he co-founded with his wife Akshata Murty.

Rishi Sunak 2025: New Roles at Microsoft and AI Startup Anthropic

1. Advisory Committee on Business Appointments (ACOBA) Guidance

The Advisory Committee on Business Appointments (ACOBA), an independent watchdog overseeing post-government employment, has provided guidelines to Sunak regarding these roles.

• Sunak cannot lobby UK ministers on behalf of Microsoft or Anthropic for two years from his last ministerial office.
• He is barred from advising on UK government contracts for either company.
• The committee noted that Sunak’s time away from government reduces the risk of leveraging privileged information, while emphasizing that former ministers must adhere to strict post-office rules.

Also Read: Rishi Sunak joins Microsoft and Anthropic as adviser: Is it a paid role? What former UK PM said

2. Sunak’s Role at Microsoft

At Microsoft, Sunak’s role is strategic and global:

• Providing high-level perspectives on macroeconomic and geopolitical trends.
• Speaking at the annual Microsoft Summit.
• No involvement in UK-specific policy or lobbying.

ACOBA described Microsoft as a major investor in the UK, highlighting the potential for perceived influence, but confirmed Sunak’s advisory work is compliant with the rules.

3. Sunak’s Role at Anthropic AI

Anthropic, an AI startup backed by Google and Amazon investors, has hired Sunak for a part-time advisory position:

• Focuses on strategy, macroeconomic, and geopolitical issues.
• Operates like an internal think tank, providing insights to senior leadership.
• Sunak is prohibited from initiating contact with UK government officials on Anthropic’s behalf.

ACOBA noted that Anthropic has a significant interest in UK policy, which could pose risks of perceived influence. Sunak’s compliance with the rules ensures ethical boundaries are maintained.

4. Earnings and Charitable Contributions

Sunak has made it clear that he will not personally benefit financially from these roles:

• All proceeds will be donated to The Richmond Project, a charity he founded with his wife.
• The charity focuses on improving numeracy skills among children and adults across the UK, an area Sunak championed while in office.

Posting on LinkedIn, Sunak stated:

“I have long believed that technology will transform our world and play a key part in determining our future. 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.”

5. Career Background and Corporate Experience

Rishi Sunak’s move into tech advisory roles follows a long history in finance and investment:

• Worked at Goldman Sachs as an analyst (2001–2004) and returned in July 2025 as a senior adviser.
• Partner at hedge fund The Children’s Investment Fund Management (TCI) in 2006.
• Founded Theleme Partners, a hedge fund in California in 2009.
• Served as director at Catamaran Ventures, owned by his father-in-law, NR Narayana Murthy.

Sunak’s corporate background and global outlook position him as a strategic adviser for Microsoft and Anthropic.

6. Staying Active in UK Politics

Despite his advisory roles, Sunak remains committed to his constituency in Richmond and Northallerton:

• He vowed during his final Prime Minister’s Questions to spend more time in Yorkshire, calling it “the greatest place on Earth.”
• His advisory work is part-time, allowing him to continue parliamentary duties.

Sunak’s engagement reflects a balance between global tech influence and local political responsibilities.

7. Tech Regulation and AI Focus

During his premiership, Sunak prioritized tech regulation and AI safety:

• Convened the AI Safety Summit in 2023.
• Advocated for policies ensuring responsible AI development.

In his advisory roles, he will continue to shape strategic perspectives on AI and technology trends globally, while avoiding direct lobbying within the UK.

8. International Perspective and Silicon Valley Ties

Sunak’s familiarity with US markets and Silicon Valley informs his advisory work:

• Previously lived in California, maintaining a home and US visa until 2021.
• Experienced in global finance, technology, and macroeconomic trends.

This background enables Sunak to guide Microsoft and Anthropic in navigating complex international markets, geopolitical risks, and AI innovation.

9. Public Perception and Ethical Oversight

Sunak’s appointments have raised questions about post-office roles for former politicians:

• ACOBA’s guidance mitigates concerns of unfair influence or lobbying.
• By donating earnings to charity, Sunak demonstrates commitment to public service.
• Transparency through LinkedIn announcements and ACOBA letters ensures accountability.

Experts note that ethical oversight in post-government employment is critical for maintaining trust in democratic institutions.

10. Comparison to Other Former Politicians

Sunak’s move mirrors trends among ex-politicians entering tech and corporate advisory roles:

• Nick Clegg, former UK Deputy PM, became Meta’s President of Global Affairs in 2018.
• Other senior officials often leverage strategic expertise for corporate or nonprofit sectors.

Sunak’s decision to donate all proceeds sets him apart, minimizing conflicts of interest.

11. Future Implications

The advisory roles could have long-term implications for both the tech industry and Sunak’s career:

• Provides Microsoft and Anthropic with insights on global strategy and policy trends.
• Reinforces the UK’s connection to AI innovation and tech diplomacy.
• Offers Sunak a platform to influence technological development without direct government intervention.

Sunak’s involvement demonstrates the growing intersection between politics, technology, and global strategy in the 21st century.

12. Sunak’s Statement on Technological Change

On social media, Sunak emphasized the transformative power of technology:

“Technology will transform our world and play a key part in determining our future. I want to help ensure this shift delivers improvements in all our lives.”

He framed his advisory roles as a means to guide global tech development responsibly, while ensuring compliance with ethical and legal boundaries.

13. Summary of Roles and Compliance

Company	Role	Focus	UK Government Contact	Salary Usage
Microsoft	Part-time Senior Adviser	Macroeconomic & Geopolitical Trends	Not allowed	Donated to The Richmond Project
Anthropic AI	Part-time Senior Adviser	Strategy & Global Trends	Not allowed	Donated to The Richmond Project
Goldman Sachs	Senior Adviser	Finance & Global Strategy	Not specified	Personal (assumed)

Sunak’s career trajectory reflects a blend of public service, corporate strategy, and tech innovation.

Conclusion: Ethical and Strategic Advisory in 2025

Rishi Sunak’s appointments at Microsoft and Anthropic mark a significant step in post-premiership engagement:

• He leverages global experience in finance, policy, and technology.
• Adheres to ethical oversight and post-office restrictions.
• All earnings support The Richmond Project, emphasizing public benefit.

Sunak remains a prominent figure in UK politics, balancing advisory responsibilities with parliamentary duties, and shaping the global discourse on AI, technology, and strategic innovation.

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