Downing Street has officially begun the process of hiring new advisers to bolster the Prime Minister’s policy unit. Among the key roles being advertised is a specialist position dedicated to artificial intelligence, tasked with providing deep expertise on how the technology will affect citizens and society at large. This recruitment effort comes as the government seeks to address staffing gaps that have persisted since Keir Starmer’s departure from the unit.

According to reports, the Prime Minister intentionally delayed these hires to ensure the right candidates were selected for these critical roles. The new AI adviser will be expected to lead policy development in a sector that is increasingly viewed as a top priority for the administration. While the government frames this as a necessary step to manage the complexities of modern governance, the vacancies have previously been described by some observers as evidence of a 'threadbare' policy team. The recruitment drive is intended to provide the Prime Minister with the specialized support needed to navigate the long-term challenges posed by AI, reflecting a broader strategy to stabilize and expand the capacity of the No 10 policy team.