Appointment signals greater emphasis on artificial intelligence in Prime Minister Andy Burnham’s new government
Indian-origin Labour MP Kanishka Narayan has been appointed as the United Kingdom’s first cabinet-level Minister for Artificial Intelligence, marking a significant milestone in the country’s technology policy and increasing the representation of people of Indian origin in senior British government roles. The appointment was announced by Prime Minister Andy Burnham as part of his new cabinet following his assumption of office.
Narayan, who represents the Vale of Glamorgan constituency in Wales, previously served as the Minister for AI and Online Safety under the government of former Prime Minister Keir Starmer. His promotion elevates artificial intelligence to cabinet level for the first time, reflecting the new administration’s intention to place AI at the centre of the UK’s economic and technological strategy.
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Born in Muzaffarpur, Bihar, Narayan moved to the UK at a young age
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He studied Philosophy, Politics and Economics at the University of Oxford before earning an MBA from Stanford University
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Before entering politics, he worked in business and public policy and was elected to the House of Commons in the 2024 general election, becoming Wales’ first ethnic minority Member of Parliament
During his tenure as junior AI minister, Narayan was responsible for policies covering artificial intelligence, online safety and emerging technologies. His elevation comes as the UK seeks to strengthen its position as a global leader in AI innovation while addressing regulatory, security and ethical challenges associated with rapidly advancing technologies.
The creation of a cabinet-level AI portfolio is widely seen as an indication that the Burnham government intends to accelerate investment, governance and adoption of artificial intelligence across the economy and public services. Narayan is expected to play a central role in shaping the UK’s AI strategy amid growing international competition in the sector.
