Politics

Tom Watson appointed to full-time position at Palantir

The Guardian · September 18, 2026Original source ↗

Tom Watson appointed to full-time position at Palantir

What happened

Tom Watson, former deputy leader of the Labour Party, has been hired by Palantir Technologies. Watson will work alongside Palantir's UK and Europe chief executive as the company seeks to strengthen its position in the public sector amid ongoing scrutiny related to its contracts.

Why it matters

The appointment may affect public perception and discourse around Palantir's role in government contracts and its technology's applications.

How this story affects people

How does this story affect you if you work in the public sector in the UK?

Your job could be affected by Palantir's efforts to secure more government contracts, which may influence the technology and services available to public institutions. Increased reliance on Palantir's AI could change how public services operate and interact with citizens.

How does this story affect you if you are a resident of London?

You may experience changes in policing and public safety initiatives as Palantir seeks to implement its technology within the Metropolitan Police. The ongoing legal disputes over contracts could affect the resources and strategies used by law enforcement in your area.

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