Andy Burnham has moved to recruit a set of policy advisers to bolster No 10’s capacity, advertising roles that include a specialist tasked with assessing how artificial intelligence will affect society and citizens.
The positions, posted by Downing Street, also seek experts on technology policy more broadly as well as advisers focused on economic growth and the cost-of-living challenge. The brief descriptions underline a practical remit: to help shape responses that will affect households and businesses as new technologies and economic pressures evolve.
Recruitment focus
By advertising for these roles, No 10 is explicitly prioritising the intersections between technological change and daily life. The addition of an AI-focused adviser suggests the government wants in-house policy capacity to anticipate and manage social and economic consequences as AI systems become more widely deployed.
Political and policy context
The vacancies offer a window into the issues the government regards as most pressing. Addressing the cost of living and promoting growth are perennial priorities, but pairing them with a dedicated technology and AI policy post signals a shift toward integrating tech literacy and governance into frontline policymaking.
Downing Street’s announcements do not detail timelines or the full terms of appointment, but the new roles are likely to be watched closely by industry groups, civil society and opposition parties. Observers will look to see how the advisers’ work shapes forthcoming policy proposals and public communications on artificial intelligence and economic policy.