Tom Watson joins Palantir as senior VP amid NHS contract review

Former Labour deputy leader Tom Watson has been appointed as senior vice-president for Palantir in the United Kingdom. Watson, who previously served as a digital minister, will work with Louis Mosley, Palantir’s UK and Europe chief executive, to support the company’s engagement with public and private sector organisations.

The appointment occurs as Palantir faces political scrutiny regarding its £330 million, seven-year contract to develop the NHS Federated Data Platform (FDP). The UK government is reportedly considering whether to invoke a break clause in the agreement as early as next spring. While some officials have described the FDP as “critical to the future of the NHS,” the company has faced opposition from unions and Labour MPs due to its previous work with US immigration authorities and the Israeli military.

Palantir executives stated that Watson’s role is intended to help the company support British jobs, invest in skills, and assist with the integration of AI into public services. Watson has taken a leave of absence from the House of Lords and relinquished his parliamentary pass to take on the position.