Recent Palantir lobbyist played key role in Andy Burnham's prime ministerial campaign

It has emerged that Martha Dalton, a lobbyist for the US tech firm Palantir, held a senior role in Prime Minister Andy Burnham’s successful campaign. Dalton, co-founder of the firm Lodestone, worked on strategic communications for Burnham’s byelection while her company had previously represented Palantir. The revelation comes as the UK government faces intense pressure to review or terminate Palantir’s £330m contract with NHS England. Critics, including health campaigners and political opponents, have raised concerns regarding the firm's involvement in controversial international projects and the efficacy of its public health data systems. While a Labour spokesperson stated that all conflict-of-interest procedures were followed, the situation highlights ongoing scrutiny regarding the influence of tech lobbyists within the new administration. Palantir continues to defend its role in public services, even as it faces legal challenges from local authorities and public protests over its ethical track record.