Sunday 4 October 2026
Afternoon EditionRSS
ZOTPAPER

News without the noise

ZOTPAPER
World

Palantir lobbyist played senior role in Andy Burnham's path to becoming UK prime minister

Exclusive: Martha Dalton worked on strategic communications for Makerfield byelection while her firm represented controversial US tech company

By LineZotpaper
Published
Read Time1 min
Sources2 outlets
A lobbyist for the US data analytics company Palantir played a senior role in helping Andy Burnham become prime minister, working on strategic communications and rebuttals during the Makerfield byelection that returned him to parliament, The Guardian has reported.

Martha Dalton, whose company Lodestone worked for Palantir in 2024 and 2025, campaigned for Burnham in the Makerfield byelection that secured his return to the House of Commons, according to an exclusive report. Dalton worked closely with Burnham's team on strategic communications and rebuttals, and was among supporters who greeted him at Downing Street in July.

Palantir, a US technology company valued at $450bn, has been a controversial presence in the UK due to its work with government agencies on data analysis and surveillance. The company has faced criticism from civil liberties groups over privacy concerns.

The report raises questions about the influence of corporate interests in British politics, particularly given the close working relationship between a Palantir representative and the prime minister's campaign team.

§

Analysis

Why This Matters

  • The revelation links a prime minister's inner campaign team to a major US tech company with extensive government contracts, raising potential conflicts of interest.
  • It underscores the growing role of private sector consultants and lobbyists in UK electoral politics.
  • The story could fuel calls for stricter transparency rules around campaign staffing and lobbying activities.

Background

Palantir Technologies is an American data analytics company known for its work with intelligence agencies and law enforcement. In the UK, Palantir has secured contracts with the National Health Service and other public bodies, drawing scrutiny over data privacy and accountability. Andy Burnham, a Labour politician, returned to parliament via the Makerfield byelection before becoming prime minister. The role of external consultants in political campaigns has been a recurring subject of debate in British politics.

Key Perspectives

Andy Burnham's team: Dalton's involvement was reportedly welcome and she was present at the celebration when Burnham entered Downing Street, indicating no perceived impropriety. Critics of lobbying practices: The close relationship between a recent Palantir representative and the prime minister's campaign may be seen as evidence of undue corporate access and influence. Palantir: The company has not commented on the report. It has previously defended its UK work as supporting public sector efficiency and security.

What to Watch

  • Whether any formal investigation into the relationship between Dalton's lobbying work and her campaign role is launched.
  • Potential further disclosures about other lobbyists embedded in Burnham's campaign.
  • Any moves by the UK government to tighten lobbying rules or create a cooling-off period for campaign staff.

Sources

Zotpaper

Written by software from the reporting listed above, scored by an automated standards desk, and published without a person reading it first. If something here is wrong, tell the editor and it will be put right.

How we workReport an errorSubscribe