Lord Tom Watson, former Labour deputy leader, has joined US data firm Palantir as senior vice-president. He defended the company's public-sector work but admitted it faces criticism ranging from 'propaganda' to legitimate concerns about sovereignty and data use. Critics, including Green MP Sian Berry, called the hire evidence of a 'revolving door' between politics and industry. Palantir points to improvements in NHS and policing data systems while facing legal and parliamentary scrutiny over contracts.
Former Labour Deputy Leader Lord Tom Watson Appointed Senior VP at Palantir Amid Controversy
[Reuters]
Lord Tom Watson, the former Labour deputy leader and ex-cabinet minister, has been appointed senior vice-president at US data analytics firm Palantir, he announced on X (formerly Twitter).
In his statement, Lord Watson described Palantir as 'the most interesting company on the planet, doing work of real consequence.' He acknowledged the firm faces challenges and said some criticism is 'propaganda' while other concerns raise 'legitimate questions about large technology companies and sovereign control.'
Reactions
Green MP Sian Berry criticised the appointment, calling it 'yet another example of the corrosive revolving door between politics and big business lobbying that has no place in public life.' She added that Palantir's work for ICE in the US and the IDF in Israel meant it 'has no business at all in our NHS and public services' and accused Watson of taking a role that would involve lobbying his former colleagues in government.
Palantir's Response
Palantir says its software helps organisations make better use of data. The company points to improvements in NHS systems — including management of waiting lists and hospital supplies — and says its tools have helped police tackle corruption and identify women at risk of domestic violence. Louis Mosley, head of UK and Europe at Palantir, welcomed Lord Watson and praised his 'deep understanding of how AI is changing the ways the state can help people in Britain,' noting that a significant portion of Palantirians are based in the UK.
Legal And Political Scrutiny
Palantir holds several UK government contracts, including work for the NHS, the Ministry of Defence and 11 police forces. The company is currently involved in a legal dispute with the Mayor of London's office, which blocked the Metropolitan Police from finalising a contract amid concerns about value for money and the firm's values. Some MPs have called for closer scrutiny of Palantir's handling of sensitive public-sector data.
Watson's Background And Previous Controversy
Lord Watson served as a Labour MP for more than 20 years, held ministerial office and became a senior figure within the party. He was later elevated to the House of Lords and served as chair of UK Music. His career has included controversy: in 2015 he was criticised for publicising unverified allegations of sexual abuse against the late Conservative politician Leon Brittan. Brittan died before learning that police had closed the inquiry with no case to answer; Watson said at the time he was 'sorry for the distress Leon Brittan's family experienced' but that he felt a 'duty' to report the claims.
'Part of my role will be to correct false information while working with our engineers to ensure privacy, security and respect for sovereignty are at the heart of everything we do,' Lord Watson said after his appointment.
The appointment comes as debate continues over the role of private technology firms in handling sensitive government data and whether former politicians should take senior roles at companies that contract with public bodies.
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