Lord Vallance has been appointed chair of Prime Minister Andy Burnham’s new AI Taskforce, with the unit launched on 24 July to place artificial intelligence at the centre of government and accelerate public sector reform and economic growth.
The Cabinet Office said the taskforce will be led by AI minister Kanishka Narayan, who will attend Cabinet, while Vallance will report directly to the Prime Minister. Based within the new Office for the Prime Minister and the Cabinet, the unit will oversee delivery of the government’s AI strategy, promote AI adoption across the public sector and take responsibility for the AI Security Institute.
The government said the taskforce is modelled on the Vaccines Taskforce established during the Covid-19 pandemic, arguing that a dedicated unit with direct accountability to the Prime Minister can speed up delivery. It said the initiative forms part of a wider effort to position AI as a driver of economic growth, improved public services and national prosperity.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham said: “AI is rapidly changing our world and we need to make sure it works for everyone. The opportunities are huge if we get it right and I want AI to power a new industrial revolution that drives good growth in every postcode.”
Vallance, who served as the UK’s chief scientific adviser between 2018 and 2023 and most recently as science minister before leaving government, will combine the AI role with chairing the Oxford-Cambridge Growth Corridor. He said: “The potential to transform public services, drive growth and improve people’s lives is immense, and I intend to make sure we deliver on it.”
According to the Cabinet Office, the taskforce will work alongside No.10, No.10 North and core Cabinet Office functions under the Office for the Prime Minister and the Cabinet. Its remit includes directing implementation of the government’s AI strategy while encouraging wider adoption of artificial intelligence across Whitehall and other public sector organisations.
Computer Weekly reported that Vallance’s appointment comes only days after he stepped down as science minister following the restructuring of government departments. During his ministerial tenure, he championed investment in the Oxford-Cambridge Growth Corridor, including projects such as East West Rail and the Culham AI Growth Zone.
AI minister Kanishka Narayan said: “AI is likely the most significant technology in human history. That is why it is now at the UK Cabinet’s table, so we can reindustrialise with AI, secure our country, and support our public services.”
