Starmer's AI 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 Sky News understands he would potentially be open to a return to help the government in the future. A government spokesperson told Sky News: "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." Politics latest: PM calls for 'de-escalation' in Middle East Mr Clifford told Sky News: "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. Read more on Starmer's AI plans:UK to 'mainline AI in the veins' says PMLet's be 'AI maker not taker'UK tech firms agree takeovers Mr Clifford was appointed as Sir Keir's AI opportunities adviser in January 2025.

His remit included advising on policy to grow the UK AI sector, including supporting uptake. ????Listen to Politics at Sam and Anne's on your podcast app???? Mr Clifford was also working to help on strategies to attract AI talent and entrepreneurs to the UK.

He worked with the previous Conservative government on setting up the AI Safety Institute and setting up the 2023 AI Safety Summit..