Matt Clifford, described as the architect of the UK government’s AI strategy, has joined the US startup Anthropic in a senior role. This move comes a year after he stepped down from his Downing Street post.
Mr Clifford, a tech investor, was appointed as AI opportunities adviser by Keir Starmer last year but resigned six months later for personal reasons. He also worked with Rishi Sunak's government, representing the former prime minister at the 2023 AI Safety Summit and helping to create the organisation that became the AI Security Institute.
At Anthropic, Mr Clifford will serve as managing director, international affairs, leading the company’s engagement with governments outside the US, including in the UK, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and India. Anthropic stated that Mr Clifford will continue in his role as chair of Aria, the UK’s Advanced Research and Invention Agency, and as chair of Entrepreneurs First, a tech venture capital firm he co-founded. It is understood he will step back from any matter involving Anthropic at Aria.
Tom Brake, chief executive of Unlock Democracy, a not-for-profit campaign group, said the move highlights a “revolving door” issue for advisers as well as ministers. Chi Onwurah MP, Labour chair of the science, innovation and technology committee, acknowledged Mr Clifford's “significant contribution” to domestic AI policy but expressed “some concern” about him taking his knowledge to a global AI player so soon after leaving government.