UK AI policy chief steps down after taking job at Anthropic over conflict concerns

Matt Clifford, the chair of the UK government’s Advanced Research and Invention Agency (Aria), has been compelled to step down after taking a full‑time position with San Francisco‑based AI firm Anthropic. Senior members of Parliament described the dual role as a “clear conflict of interest,” prompting the government to act swiftly to preserve the integrity of the public research body.

Clifford’s new role at Anthropic involves leading the company’s engagement with governments outside the United States, including the United Kingdom, while he continued to oversee Aria, which funds high‑risk scientific and technological projects. The decision to retain both positions raised concerns about potential influence over funding decisions and policy advice. Following the criticism, Clifford resigned from his Aria chairmanship, and the agency will appoint an interim leader while reviewing its conflict‑of‑interest guidelines.