Speculation regarding an early general election continues to circulate in UK politics, even as Prime Minister Andy Burnham has publicly dismissed the possibility of a vote in May 2027. However, new revelations have introduced further complexity to Burnham’s tenure, with reports emerging that a former lobbyist for the contentious US technology firm Palantir held a significant role in his campaign.
According to recent disclosures, Martha Dalton, whose firm Lodestone provided lobbying services to Palantir during 2024 and 2025, was instrumental in Burnham’s political strategy. Dalton actively campaigned for Burnham during the Makerfield byelection, a contest that secured his return to parliament. She worked closely with his team on strategic communications and rebuttals, and was reportedly among the supporters who celebrated his appointment as Prime Minister in Downing Street last July.
The connection has sparked debate given Palantir’s $450bn valuation and the polarizing nature of its work. Amid these political developments, Burnham has also outlined policy proposals aimed at stabilizing the rental market. He called for a three-year emergency brake on private rents, capping increases at the lowest of CPI, wage growth, or 2%. The Prime Minister argued that such measures would provide renters with essential breathing space, allowing wages to finally catch up with rents that have significantly outstripped income growth in recent years.
The rent cap policy sounds nice on paper, but does it address the root cause? A three-year brake feels like a Band-Aid for a structural failure.
I’m stunned a Palantir lobbyist had this much influence. The tech firm’s reputation is so polarizing, and this connection needs serious scrutiny.