Former Palantir Lobbyist Aided Andy Burnham's Campaign for Prime Minister

Lobbyist's Role in Burnham's Campaign

Martha Dalton, whose company Lodestone previously lobbied for Palantir, played a significant role in Andy Burnham's campaign to become Prime Minister. Dalton campaigned for Burnham in the Makerfield byelection and worked with his team on strategic communications and rebuttals. She was present when he entered Downing Street in July.

Palantir's Public Sector Engagement

Dalton's firm, Lodestone, worked for Palantir on projects that included promoting its software at parliamentary events. During these events, Palantir engineers demonstrated AI-powered systems intended for use in British public services to Members of Parliament. Lodestone's work for Palantir concluded before Dalton's involvement with Burnham's campaign.

NHS Contract Under Scrutiny

The connection between Dalton and Burnham comes to light as Palantir seeks to retain its £330m contract with NHS England for the federated data platform. Burnham's government is under pressure to reconsider the deal. Concerns have been raised by campaigners regarding Palantir's work for the Israeli military and Donald Trump’s ICE, as well as the claimed benefits of the platform for public health.

Broader Links to Labour

Dalton's involvement is part of a broader pattern of connections between the Labour party and Palantir. The tech firm, co-founded by Peter Thiel, also works with the US and UK militaries. Labour peer Tom Watson recently took a full-time lobbying position with Palantir, and the company previously employed Peter Mandelson’s lobbying firm, Global Counsel.