Recent lobbyist for Palantir had key role in helping Andy Burnham become PM

Billy Odell Tucker-Robinson Founder & Host — Banking With Billy Network • Financial Intelligence • Markets • World News • Independent Analysis
Published: 2026-10-02 • Permanent link

Fractures in the UK's tech sector have been exposed as it's been revealed that a lobbyist for Palantir, a $450 billion US tech company, played a key role in helping Andy Burnham become the new Prime Minister of the United Kingdom. Martha Dalton, a senior lobbyist, worked closely with Burnham's team on the byelection that secured his return to parliament. The news has sparked concerns about the influence of big tech on British politics, with many calling for greater transparency in lobbying practices. The UK's tech industry is already facing intense scrutiny, with many of its biggest players under investigation for data breaches and other regulatory breaches.

As a result of this development, investors in UK tech stocks are bracing themselves for a potentially volatile period ahead. Burnham's government has promised to introduce new regulations to tackle the influence of big tech on British politics, which could have a significant impact on the sector's profitability. The UK's tech industry is also facing intense competition from the US, with many of its biggest players already operating in the country. This could lead to a decline in the value of UK tech stocks, particularly those that are heavily reliant on lobbying and influence peddling.

The UK's tech sector has a long history of lobbying for favorable regulations, and the recent appointment of Martha Dalton as a senior lobbyist for Palantir is just the latest example. The company has been accused of having close ties to the US government, and has faced intense scrutiny over its role in the US government's surveillance programs. The UK's tech sector has also been accused of having a "revolving door" culture, where lobbyists move between government and industry with ease. This has led to concerns about the influence of big tech on British politics and the potential for corruption.

As the UK's tech sector navigates this uncertain period, investors are watching closely for any signs of regulatory change. The government has promised to introduce new regulations to tackle the influence of big tech on British politics, which could have a significant impact on the sector's profitability. Meanwhile, Palantir is facing intense scrutiny over its role in the US government's surveillance programs, and the company's stock price has taken a hit as a result. With the UK's tech sector facing intense competition from the US, investors are bracing themselves for a potentially volatile period ahead.