CliffNotes
- Matt Clifford, Sir Keir Starmer’s AI opportunities adviser, is stepping down for family reasons after six months in the role, having advised on the AI opportunities action plan.
- The Prime Minister acknowledged Clifford’s contributions, indicating ongoing efforts to enhance the UK’s AI expertise and maintain its leadership position in the sector.
- Clifford expressed gratitude for his role and optimism regarding the UK’s AI potential, having previously collaborated with the Conservative government on initiatives like the AI Safety Institute.
Starmer’s artificial intelligence adviser steps down
Sir Keir Starmer’s artificial intelligence adviser is standing aside after six months for family reasons.
Matt Clifford continues to have a good relationship with Downing Street, and WTX News understands he would potentially be open to a return to help the government in the future.
A government spokesperson said: “Matt Clifford is stepping down from his role as the prime minister’s AI opportunities advisor for personal reasons.
“The prime minister has thanked him for his dedicated work to deliver and implement the AI opportunities action plan. We will be building on this work to bolster AI expertise across government and cement the UK’s position as a world leader in AI.”
Mr Clifford said: “It’s been a privilege to spend the last year first writing and then implementing the AI opportunities action plan.
“I’m grateful to the prime minister and the government for this opportunity to serve and am hugely optimistic about the UK’s potential to be an AI superpower.
“For family reasons, I will step back from my role as the prime minister’s adviser on AI opportunities at the end of July, but I’m delighted that this important work will continue across government.”
Mr Clifford was the lead reviewer of the AI opportunities action plan, as well as being a member of the AI Safety Institute advisory board.
As part of his backing of AI, Sir Keir accepted all 50 recommendations made by Mr Clifford in the action plan.