UK AI Adviser Behind Government Strategy Takes Senior Role at Anthropic

The architect of the UK government's AI strategy has joined US startup Anthropic in a senior position, about a year after leaving his Downing Street role. Matt Clifford, a prominent tech investor, was appointed AI opportunities adviser by Keir Starmer last year but resigned six months later for personal reasons.

Clifford now serves as Anthropic's managing director for international affairs, leading engagement with governments outside the US, including the UK, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and India. Anthropic confirmed he will remain chair of Aria, the UK's Advanced Research and Invention Agency, and keep his role at Entrepreneurs First, the venture capital firm he co-founded.

The move drew criticism from campaign groups and politicians who flagged a "revolving door" between government and industry. Tom Brake of Unlock Democracy said Clifford's knowledge of sensitive AI policy gives Anthropic a major advantage. Peer Beeban Kidron called for more independent politics prioritising workers and citizens. Labour MP Chi Onwurah acknowledged Clifford's significant contribution but voiced concern about his move to a global AI player so soon after leaving office. She hoped he would promote responsible AI at Anthropic.

Anthropic defended the hire, noting it needs people who understand government in every market. Clifford said countries want real control over how AI is built and used, and his job is to make Anthropic a genuine partner in Europe, Asia, and beyond.

Before government work, Clifford co-founded Entrepreneurs First, which helped build tech firms worth over $20bn combined. He also worked with Rishi Sunak's government on the 2023 AI Safety Summit and helped create what became the AI Security Institute. He drafted the UK's AI action plan, supporting AI growth zones and domestic AI model development. Clifford was appointed Aria chair in 2022 and will step back from Anthropic-related matters there. Anthropic, maker of the Claude chatbot, is preparing for a stock market listing that could value it at $2tn.

Source: The Guardian