Downing Street aide photographed using ChatGPT to draft Burnham speech

Summarised from 3 outlets · Updated 15 Nov, 12:37 · Archive

A Downing Street aide was photographed using ChatGPT to help write Andy Burnham's address to Welsh Labour conference on Saturday.

A Downing Street aide was photographed using ChatGPT to help refine Andy Burnham's speech to Welsh Labour conference on Saturday, according to the Mail on Sunday. The photograph appears to show the speechwriter consulting the AI chatbot on an afternoon train from London to Holyhead whilst drinking Prosecco, asking how to make the address 'more emotive'.

Downing Street said the Prime Minister writes most of his own speeches and that an aide sought feedback on a draft that had already been completed. The No 10 spokesperson stated that the ChatGPT suggestions were not ultimately used. The Mail reported that the chatbot had recommended adding a passage about how industrial work created bonds beyond the workplace.

In the speech delivered on Saturday, Mr Burnham criticised Margaret Thatcher's legacy, saying the country 'took some wrong turns in the 1980s that shattered the way of life for communities up and down Britain'. He spoke about the importance of industry in giving people a 'deep sense of belonging', describing workplaces that 'created a way of life, the social infrastructure that we took for granted, the working men's clubs, the sports teams, the choirs, the trade unions'.

How it is being reported

• Should politicians use AI for speeches as Andy Burnham exposed over ChatGPT ‘sham’?A No.10 aide was caught using the AI bot for one of the Prime Minister's recent speeches.Daily Express · 15 Nov, 12:35
• No 10 says PM writes ‘most of his own speeches’ after aide seen using ChatGPTOne of the Prime Minister’s team was photographed asking AI how to make his address to Welsh Labour conference on Saturday ‘more emotive’.The Independent · 15 Nov, 12:17
• Downing Street speechwriter accused of using ChatGPT to help craft Andy Burnham's keynote addressA Downing Street speechwriter has been accused of using ChatGPT to help write a keynote address for Andy Burnham. The No10 aide reportedly used the artificial intelligence chatbot to make the Prime Minister's words more "emotive". They were also seen drinking prosecco while writing about the cost-of-living crisis on their way to a party conference in Wales, reports The Mail on Sunday. While working on the address, the aide was reportedly seen consulting ChatGPT about ways to improve a section criticising the legacy of Margaret Thatcher. TRENDING Stories Videos Your Say According to an…GB News · 15 Nov, 03:27

In this story: Andy Burnham · Margaret Thatcher · Downing Street · Welsh Labour · Mail on Sunday

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