Matt Clifford exits Downing Street citing family reasons, after shaping Labour’s AI policy and action plan; government pledges to continue building UK’s role as a global AI leader
Matt Clifford, the prime minister’s senior adviser on artificial intelligence, is stepping down from his post after six months in the role, citing family reasons. His departure marks a pause in a prominent Downing Street role that has shaped much of the Labour government’s early AI strategy, though he is understood to remain on good terms with Number 10 and may return to government in future.
Clifford was appointed in January 2025 to advise Sir Keir Starmer on maximising the opportunities presented by artificial intelligence, with a particular focus on expanding the UK’s AI capabilities, encouraging industry adoption, and positioning Britain as a global leader in the field.
His tenure has been marked by rapid progress. Under Clifford’s guidance, the government launched and began implementing the AI Opportunities Action Plan, which included 50 wide-ranging recommendations spanning regulation, workforce development, and incentives to attract global AI talent. All 50 were accepted by the prime minister, underscoring Starmer’s desire to position the UK as an “AI superpower” amid intensifying global competition.
Under Clifford’s guidance, the government launched and began implementing the AI Opportunities Action Plan, which included 50 wide-ranging recommendations spanning regulation, workforce development, and incentives to attract global AI talent.
A government spokesperson confirmed Clifford’s departure, saying: “Matt Clifford is stepping down from his role as the prime minister’s AI opportunities adviser 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.”
In a statement, Clifford called his time advising the prime minister “a privilege” and expressed optimism about the UK’s AI future. “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,” he said. He also confirmed he would formally step down at the end of July.
Clifford’s influence has extended beyond Whitehall policy papers. He played a central role in the formation of the AI Safety Institute and was a key figure in organising the 2023 AI Safety Summit under the previous Conservative government. His dual expertise in AI development and governance made him a sought-after voice in the global AI conversation, with the UK’s approach often viewed as a model for balancing innovation with ethical safeguards.
Prior to joining Starmer’s team, Clifford had already been a well-known name in the tech and innovation world. He co-founded Entrepreneur First, a talent investor focused on building deep tech companies, and served on the advisory board of the AI Safety Institute. His business background gave him a unique perspective within government, aligning technological innovation with long-term economic growth.
One of his most pressing challenges during his time in office was developing strategies to draw top AI researchers, engineers, and entrepreneurs to the UK, particularly as global talent competition intensifies. He also worked closely with departments across government to improve the uptake of AI tools in public services, such as healthcare, education, and transport.
Although Clifford is stepping back from formal duties, he is expected to continue supporting the government in an informal capacity and remains engaged in shaping the UK’s AI ecosystem through external advisory roles.
His departure creates a notable vacancy in Starmer’s emerging AI policy team, though sources suggest continuity in the direction of the strategy is expected. A successor has yet to be announced, but insiders believe the government will prioritise someone with both technical knowledge and a strong grasp of policymaking to maintain momentum.
With the UK facing stiff competition from the US, China, and the EU in the AI race, Clifford’s exit will be closely watched by industry figures and international observers. However, the foundations he helped lay could ensure that the country remains on track to meet its ambitions—provided the government continues to deliver on implementation.
