Sir Keir Starmer has led the Labour Party to a landslide victory and will take over from Mr Sunak as the UK’s prime minister.

Accepting responsibility for the result, Mr Sunak said he heard voters’ “anger” at his government following the Conservative Party’s general election defeat – the worst in its parliamentary history.

Following the Labour Party’s success, a significant challenge they must address in the coming years is Artificial Intelligence (AI).

Both Labour and Conservative manifestos have committed to fostering growth in the UK AI sector through initiatives like building more data centres and promoting AI adoption in the public and business sectors. However, both parties recognize that the rise of AI will likely lead to an increase in AI-based attacks from malicious actors, making enhanced cybersecurity measures essential.

Below, we’ve gathered a selection of comments from UK tech leaders sharing their thoughts on the election outcome:

BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT 

 Rashik Parmar MBE, chief executive of BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT said: “The new Prime Minister has a unique opportunity to take a positive view of AI and high stakes technologies, making sure they transform the lives of everyone in the UK.

 “By setting high standards for those who direct and develop computing in areas like health, security and other vital public services, the UK can be an example to the world.

 “That’s why this government should back Chartered status for technology professionals, setting the same expectations of competence and ethics as regulated fields like accountancy and medicine.

 “Then to secure the future, we need to prioritise digital literacy and computing education in schools and make tech careers appeal to a far broader group of people.”

Chris Dimitriadis, Global Chief Strategy Officer, ISACA

“Protecting the UK’s critical infrastructure from cybercrime must continue to be a priority for the next administration. But as cyber criminals carry out more sophisticated attacks more easily and more often, there isn’t time to undo the progress made and re-start.

“With 38% of cyber professionals saying they’re experiencing more cyberattacks than in 2022, the next Government must build on what’s already in place.

Upskill and re-skill to close the cyber skills gap

“It’s no secret the cybersecurity space is severely understaffed as confirmed by 62% of cybersecurity professionals recently surveyed by ISACA. Reducing the number of cybersecurity vacancies is the first step in protecting UK businesses and consumers.

“It’s up to the Government to make the UK Cyber Security Council an independent and self-funded body to standardise qualifications and give current and future cybersecurity professionals a clear roadmap to building their skills and knowledge in the space to stay ahead of bad actors.

“At the same time, businesses should be given information and financial incentives to encourage employees to expand their expertise through upskilling and training programmes.

Establish a national code of practice to build cyber resilience

“Beyond people, the UK Government should seek to establish the Cyber Governance Code of Practice to improve organisational cybersecurity and build national resilience, as recommended in the McPartland Review of Cyber Security and Economic Growth earlier this year.

“But it’s not enough to just create it – the Code will need to be promoted and incentivised through assurance and assessment schemes.”

Defend critical infrastructures to retain consumer trust

“The government must bring in regulatory frameworks to better protect data centres across the UK, with cyber maturity assessment being at the epicentre, as cybersecurity is not an one-off endeavour.

“From healthcare to financial services, all of the UK’s critical industries have access to sensitive data which means no one is immune to cyberthreats. With cross-industry cyber regulations in place, businesses will have no choice but to abide by these and limit any damage to consumers, and their trust.”

Oana Jinga, CO&PO and co-founder at Dexory

“It’s vital the incoming British government explores areas such as technological innovation within the logistics and supply chain sector. While the sector accounts for 8% of the UK’s economy, it is important for Labour to ensure investment goes into technological innovations to improve the efficiency of the warehouse.

“These measures will help build a resilient and efficient supply chain system that supports economic growth.

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“It may not be top of the agenda – especially this early on in Labour’s leadership – but supply chains should matter to the government. Their efficiency and resiliency have a direct impact on the availability and cost of goods, affecting consumers.

“Considering this, we want to see policies that address infrastructure, regulation and innovation in logistics and enhance national competitiveness, economic stability, and sustainability. A strong focus on technological innovation in logistics ensures the sector can meet future demands and challenges effectively.”

Hannah Scott, CEO of Oxfordshire Greentech, said:

 “I am deeply concerned by Labour’s election pledge to prioritize the release of lower grade green belt land for development. While addressing housing needs is crucial, we must not compromise our environmental integrity,”

“The so-called ‘grey belt’ often provides essential ecological services and green space for communities. Labour’s true priority should be retrofitting heat pumps in social housing, eradicating fuel poverty, and creating a national energy infrastructure that is affordable and provides comfort for everyone.

“True sustainability requires innovative urban planning that respects and integrates our natural landscapes, rather than sacrificing them for short-term gains.”

“As a matter of urgency, the Labour Party must tackle the housing crisis by redeveloping derelict and underused commercial buildings into social or affordable housing while also taking stricter enforcement action against empty housing and foreign investment in residential property, where the “buy-to-leave” phenomenon is jeopardising affordability in high demand areas like London.”