Indian-origin Labour MP Kanishka Narayan has been appointed as the United Kingdom’s first cabinet-level Minister for Artificial Intelligence by newly sworn-in Prime Minister Andy Burnham. The appointment marks a significant step in the UK’s efforts to strengthen its artificial intelligence strategy and reflects the growing importance of AI in shaping national policy and economic growth.
Narayan, who previously served as the Minister for AI and Online Safety under former Prime Minister Keir Starmer, has now been elevated to a full cabinet role. His promotion comes as part of Burnham’s first Cabinet reshuffle following his appointment as Prime Minister. The new role gives AI dedicated representation at the highest level of government for the first time in British history.
Born in Muzaffarpur, Bihar, in 1989, Kanishka Narayan moved to Cardiff, Wales, with his family at the age of 12. He has often spoken about his modest upbringing, recalling that his family initially lived in a one-bedroom flat before his academic achievements earned him a scholarship to Eton College. He later studied Philosophy, Politics and Economics at the University of Oxford before completing an MBA at Stanford University in the United States.
Before entering politics, Narayan built a diverse professional career. He worked as a civil servant in the UK government, serving in the Cabinet Office and later in the Department for Environment. He also gained experience in the private sector as a financial adviser and remained actively involved in community organisations, including Citizens Advice and The Trussell Trust. His varied background has contributed to his reputation as a policy-focused leader with expertise in technology and governance.
Narayan entered Parliament after winning the Vale of Glamorgan constituency in the 2024 UK General Election, becoming Wales’ first ethnic minority Member of Parliament. His election was widely regarded as a landmark moment in Welsh political history and highlighted the growing diversity within the UK’s Parliament.
As Minister for AI and Online Safety, Narayan played a key role in shaping Britain’s approach to artificial intelligence, digital regulation and online safety. His responsibilities included promoting AI innovation, overseeing the UK’s AI Security Institute, supporting semiconductor policy and encouraging technology-led economic growth. His elevation to cabinet level signals the Burnham government’s intention to make artificial intelligence a central pillar of its economic and industrial strategy.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham has also announced wider reforms to the government’s technology structure, including integrating technology and business policy more closely. By creating a cabinet-level AI portfolio, the government aims to accelerate AI adoption across public services, improve digital governance and strengthen the UK’s global competitiveness in emerging technologies.
Kanishka Narayan’s appointment has drawn attention in both the United Kingdom and India, where it is being viewed as another milestone for the Indian diaspora in global politics. As AI continues to reshape economies and public services worldwide, his new role places him at the centre of Britain’s efforts to develop responsible AI policies while fostering innovation and international collaboration.
