Just days after he resigned as science minister, Patrick Vallance is back, chairing a new Andy Burnham government artificial intelligence (AI) Taskforce.
The taskforce, headed by AI minister Kanishka Narayan, is being set up to drive the government’s overall strategy on AI and deliver Burnham’s AI strategy.
It will be based with first secretary of state Louise Haigh in the Office for the Prime Minister and the Cabinet (OPMC). The OPMC will include the AI Taskforce alongside No.10, No.10 North and core Cabinet Office functions. The taskforce’s fundamental purpose will be the direction and implementation of the government’s strategy on AI, and appears to be focused on public services and unlocking growth and prosperity across the country.
The taskforce will also lead on enabling transformation and AI adoption across the public sector. Responsibility for the existing AI Security Institute will move to the Office for the Prime Minister and the Cabinet.
The taskforce aims to replicate the success of the Vaccine Taskforce during the Covid-19 pandemic, which, said the Cabinet Office, demonstrated how an empowered unit, with clear accountability to the prime minister, can drive extraordinary outcomes and deliver real benefits for people across the country.
Vallance led the Vaccines Taskforce during the Covid-19 pandemic, delivering the UK’s vaccination programme. Most recently, he was minister for Science, Innovation, Research and Nuclear in the now disbanded Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) and the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ).
Burnham said: “AI is rapidly changing our world and we need to make sure it works for everyone. The opportunities are huge if we get it right, and I want AI to power a new industrial revolution that drives good growth in every postcode.
“Lord Vallance is a true public servant with decades of experience, expertise and a track record of delivery. I’m delighted he’ll be chairing the AI Taskforce, putting AI at the centre of all our work to change people’s lives for the better.”
Commenting on his new role and the taskforce, Vallance said: “This government is sending a signal that’s clearer than ever before about its commitment to realising the opportunities of AI and science and technology. The potential to transform public services, drive growth and improve people’s lives is immense, and I intend to make sure we deliver on it.”
Vallance will also chair the Oxford to Cambridge Growth Corridor, which the previous Keir Starmer government began promoting in October 2025, as part of a broader 50 point AI action plan.
During his tenure as science minister, Vallance spoke about the investment the government was making in the so-called Oxford to Cambridge Corridor through East West Rail, the Culham AI Growth Zone, and backing for UK research and development (R&D).
At the time, he said: “The Corridor presents an enormous opportunity for anyone looking to invest in the UK. By bringing business, academia, plus national and local government together, we can pool this remarkable area’s strengths to create one of the most important innovation zones in the world.”
