A British Politician Becomes an AI Chatbot — Meet the UK’s First ‘Virtual MP’

In a groundbreaking move blending technology and politics, Labour MP Mark Sewards has unveiled what he claims is the UK’s first “virtual MP,” an AI-powered chatbot designed to represent him and engage with constituents 24/7. The digital twin, developed by Leeds-based startup Neural Voice, allows residents of Leeds South West and Morley to raise local issues, ask policy questions, or seek assistance anytime, without the delays of traditional communication channels.

A Digital Twin for Democracy

Sewards, elected in July 2024 after defeating Conservative MP Andrea Jenkyns, partnered with Neural Voice to create the chatbot, dubbed “AI Mark.” The system uses advanced neural voice synthesis and natural language processing, trained on Sewards’ parliamentary speeches, social media posts, and constituent correspondence to mimic his voice, tone, and mannerisms with striking accuracy. “I’m keen to explore how AI can strengthen the connection between an MP’s office and the constituents we serve,” Sewards said in a statement. “Give AI Mark a try—it’s an additional way to engage with me.”

The chatbot, hosted on Neural Voice’s platform, handles straightforward queries, such as local service issues or policy clarifications, freeing Sewards to focus on complex casework. Jeremy Smith, CEO of Neural Voice, emphasized its potential: “For too long, politicians have been out of reach. This technology makes MPs more accessible, ensuring constituents can connect anytime.” The company, which previously ran an AI candidate, “AI Steve,” in the 2024 Brighton election, sees the virtual MP as a step toward reinventing democracy.

Opportunities and Concerns

Proponents argue the AI chatbot could revolutionize political engagement. Professor Victoria Honeyman of the University of Leeds noted that it can efficiently handle simple queries, saying, “Most people are comfortable with chatbots for basic tasks, as we see them in many areas of life.” By offering round-the-clock access, AI Mark could bridge the gap between busy MPs and their constituents, particularly for those who find traditional office hours inaccessible.

However, the move has sparked debate. Dr. Susan Oman, a senior lecturer in data, AI, and society, warned of potential pitfalls: “While MPs aim to be more present, constituents might feel less listened to if they’re interacting with a bot instead of a person.” She highlighted risks for those with emotionally charged issues, where a chatbot’s lack of human empathy could cause distress. “Chatbots, like humans, can make mistakes, which could undermine trust in MPs,” Oman added.

On X, reactions are mixed. Some users praise the innovation, with one posting, “This could make MPs actually responsive for once!” Others express skepticism, with comments like, “An AI MP? Feels like dodging real accountability.” The sentiment reflects broader concerns about trust in politicians, already at historic lows, as noted by Oman.

A Prototype with Potential

Sewards has stressed that AI Mark is a prototype, subject to ongoing training to improve accuracy and responsiveness. The chatbot avoids discussing other politicians or offering personal opinions on sensitive topics like the death penalty, instead prompting users for their views. “It’s not a replacement for my duties,” Sewards clarified on Instagram, “but a tool to enhance accessibility.”

Neural Voice’s prior experiment with AI Steve, which allowed Brighton voters to propose and vote on policies, laid the groundwork for AI Mark. While AI Steve didn’t win, it garnered significant attention, receiving 1,000 calls in a single night after its launch. Steve Endacott, Neural Voice’s chair, described the goal as “reconnecting voters directly to their MPs,” a vision Sewards’ chatbot builds upon.

The Future of AI in Politics

Sewards’ initiative follows global precedents. In 2023, the mayor of Yokosuka, Japan, created an AI avatar to communicate with U.S. naval personnel, while Denmark’s Synthetic Party ran an AI candidate, “Leader Lars,” in 2022. These experiments suggest AI could become a staple in political engagement, though Sewards’ virtual MP is the first to represent an elected official.

As AI Mark evolves, its success will hinge on balancing efficiency with genuine human connection. For now, Sewards’ bold step positions him at the forefront of a tech-driven transformation in politics, raising both excitement and questions about the role of AI in democracy.