The short version
- The prime minister is filling vacant policy roles with a focus on managing societal risks from rapid AI adoption.
- New advisers will explore radical options for public control over essential services like water and energy.
- Previous economic advisors have declined offers, citing concerns over spending and growth strategies.
Downing Street has initiated a targeted recruitment campaign to fill critical vacancies within the prime minister’s policy unit, signaling a strategic pivot toward addressing immediate technological and economic challenges. Andy Burnham is seeking specialists with deep expertise in artificial intelligence, macroeconomic growth, and the cost-of-living crisis. The move aims to bolster a policy team that remains significantly understaffed following the departure of Keir Starmer, whose administration left many senior advisory posts unfilled.
A central priority for the new administration is understanding the workforce implications of the artificial intelligence boom. The advertised role requires an adviser capable of leading preparations for how AI will reshape employment, particularly concerning lower-level professional services and entry-level positions for recent graduates. This individual will serve as the primary counsel on frontier AI technologies, evaluating both the benefits for public service transformation and the broader societal risks associated with unregulated systems.
Concerns about technological disruption are not isolated to the prime minister’s office but extend across the cabinet. Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband recently highlighted the daunting dangers posed by unchecked AI advancement, warning that progress must not come at the expense of future generations or humanity itself. Several ministers have voiced similar anxieties regarding the United Kingdom’s readiness to handle the economic and labor market shifts driven by these rapid technological changes.
Beyond technology, Burnham is seeking an adviser with a roving brief across transport, energy, housing, water, and the environment. This role focuses on developing policies for greater public control over everyday essentials, directly addressing cost-of-living pressures. The job description emphasizes the need for external perspectives that can challenge existing Whitehall frameworks, reflecting the prime minister’s reported frustration with the cautious options previously presented by civil servants.
This desire for more radical policy choices is evident in recent directives regarding Thames Water. Burnham has reportedly instructed officials to discard initial plans for fixing the struggling utility company and instead present more ambitious alternatives. These new proposals may involve higher taxpayer costs or increased legal risks, indicating a willingness to pursue structural changes over incremental fixes in the sector.
The recruitment drive also includes replacing Minouche Shafik as the economic adviser. The new appointee must possess a strong understanding of the fiscal, political, and economic contexts shaping government decisions. Before assuming office, Burnham consulted with several prominent economists, including former Bank of England chief economist Andy Haldane, former Office for Budget Responsibility chair Richard Hughes, and cross-bench peer Jim O’Neill.
However, none of these high-profile figures have agreed to join the No 10 team. Haldane and O’Neill have been particularly critical of Burnham’s economic approach since he entered government, questioning his strategies on public spending and the lack of clear growth-oriented policies. Their refusal underscores the difficulty in securing top-tier economic talent who align with the current administration’s fiscal direction.
Additional roles being filled include an adviser on Scotland, a specialist on work and welfare reporting to the new growth director, and a post covering immigration, security, and justice. The latter will focus on cross-border crime, exploitation, and illegal migration. Together, these hires aim to create a more robust policy foundation capable of handling complex domestic issues while navigating the uncertainties of a rapidly changing technological landscape.
The composition of this new advisory team will likely shape the government’s response to some of its most pressing challenges. By prioritizing expertise in AI and public utility reform, Burnham is attempting to address both immediate economic pressures and long-term structural risks. The success of these appointments will depend on their ability to deliver actionable strategies that balance innovation with social stability.
As the recruitment process continues, the focus remains on finding individuals who can bring fresh perspectives and challenge established norms within Whitehall. The prime minister’s emphasis on radical options and external input suggests a desire to break from traditional bureaucratic constraints. This approach may define the early tenure of his administration as it seeks to navigate the complex interplay between technology, economy, and public service.
Sources behind this briefing
Go to the original reporting
- The Guardian World↗Wanted: new No 10 adviser to help citizens deal with rise of AI
