Former Labour deputy Tom Watson joins Palantir as senior vice president

Unbiased summary

Tom Watson, the former Labour deputy leader, has taken a senior vice president role at the US tech firm Palantir, which holds UK government contracts with the NHS and Ministry of Defence. Watson, who served as an MP for 18 years and as a minister under Gordon Brown, had been a part-time adviser to Palantir since 2024. He said he would focus on the company's work in defence, policing, and the NHS, and on addressing criticism of the firm. Palantir faces scrutiny over its technology's use by US immigration authorities and the Israeli military, and London Mayor Sadiq Khan recently blocked a proposed Met Police contract. Watson described some criticism as 'propaganda' while acknowledging legitimate questions about technology and sovereignty. His appointment has drawn criticism from some politicians, including Green Party MP Sian Berry, who accused him of lobbying his Labour government contacts.

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Coverage by outlet

Morning Star left

Angle The hire is presented as further evidence of corruption and corporate influence in Labour politics.

Bias The article uses loaded language like 'sinister company' and 'stench of corruption,' emphasizes Palantir's CIA links, Peter Thiel's far-right views, and alleged involvement in human rights abuses. It omits Watson's stated reasons for taking the role and any legitimate defence of Palantir's work. The focus on Watson's past sabotage of Jeremy Corbyn frames the appointment as a continuation of internal party betrayal.

Tom Watson, Palantir and post-Starmer Labour — which side are they on?

The Independent centre-left

Angle The appointment is framed as a controversial controversy, with an emphasis on the criticism Watson faces.

Bias The piece leads with an 'onslaught of criticism' and highlights negative reactions from the Green Party and others, focusing on Palantir's IDF and ICE contracts. It includes Watson's response but places it after the criticism, and omits more extreme allegations like CIA ties or Thiel's ideology. The tone is moderately neutral but tends to foreground the ethical concerns over the business rationale.

Former Labour deputy leader Tom Watson takes senior job at Palantir

City AM centre-right

Angle The hire is presented as a strategic business move for Palantir's UK expansion, with Watson as a counter to scrutiny.

Bias The article emphasises Palantir's revenue, contract values, and UK growth, and includes Watson's positive framing that 'some criticism is propaganda' and that he will 'correct false information.' It downplays moral objections by describing them as 'scrutiny' or 'concerns' rather than endorsing them. It also notes his prior advisory role, normalising the appointment. The coverage is business-friendly, but not overtly partisan, omitting the most strident condemnations from critics.

Former Labour deputy joins Palantir as tech giant targets UK growth