Former Labour deputy Tom Watson joins Palantir amid contract scrutiny

Former Labour deputy leader Tom Watson has joined the US technology firm Palantir as a senior vice president, a move that has drawn criticism over the company's government contracts and Watson's political background. Watson announced the appointment on September 18, 2026, on the social media platform X, stating that Palantir is "the most interesting company on the planet" and that part of his role will be to "correct false information" while working on privacy and sovereignty. The appointment comes as Palantir holds a £330 million contract to provide the NHS Federated Data Platform, which is under government review ahead of a break clause in February 2027. The company is also suing London Mayor Sadiq Khan after he blocked a £50 million contract with the Metropolitan Police, citing procurement issues and a mismatch with London's values. Green MP Sian Berry criticized the appointment as a "corrosive revolving door" between politics and corporate lobbying.