Lobbyist Martha Dalton, who worked for the Palantir‑affiliated firm Lodestone, played a key role in Andy Burnham’s return to Parliament and his subsequent rise to the premiership.

The Guardian’s exclusive shows that Dalton was involved in strategic communications and rebuttals during the Makerfield by‑election, helping craft the narrative that propelled Burnham back into the House of Commons after a five‑year absence. The by‑election, held in June, was the first major test of Labour’s leadership after the resignation of the previous prime minister. Burnham’s victory secured him a seat and set the stage for his appointment as prime minister in July.

Lobbyist Martha Dalton’s work in the Makerfield campaign helped lift Burnham into the premiership.

In the weeks leading up to the vote, Dalton met with Burnham’s advisers at Labour Party headquarters, providing guidance on messaging and counter‑arguments against opponents. Her briefings were said to draw on data‑driven insights from her time with Lodestone, a consultancy that had partnered with Palantir in 2024 and 2025. The consultancy’s work involved analysing electoral trends and tailoring communication strategies.

Lobbyist meeting in Westminster

Labour has denied any wrongdoing, stating that lobbying is a routine part of political campaigning and that no direct influence from Palantir was exercised. The party’s spokesperson said that all lobbying activity complied with the UK’s lobbying register rules. The Prime Minister’s office has not issued a separate statement on Dalton’s involvement.

Palantir, the US data‑analytics company valued at around £450 billion, has faced scrutiny over its use of personal data and contracts with government agencies. The firm’s work has raised concerns about privacy and the potential for commercial interests to shape public policy. Critics argue that lobbying from a company with such reach could create a conflict of interest for elected officials.

Ethical observers warn that the case underscores the need for clearer disclosure rules and stricter limits on the influence of tech‑based lobbying firms. The UK’s lobbying register, which requires firms to list clients and the nature of their work, is considered by some to be insufficiently transparent. A parliamentary committee could be called to examine whether the relationship between Dalton, Lodestone and Burnham breached any standards.

Burnham’s policy agenda, unveiled at the recent Labour conference, includes radical reforms to social care and a new national care service. Analysts suggest that data‑driven campaigning may shape the framing of such policies, potentially prioritising cost‑effective solutions that align with corporate interests. The impact of Palantir‑linked lobbying on these proposals remains unclear but has drawn attention from watchdog groups.

A parliamentary inquiry is expected to begin next month, with committee members slated to interview key figures involved in the Makerfield campaign. The inquiry will review the extent of lobbying influence on Burnham’s ascent and assess whether any regulatory breaches occurred. The findings could prompt reforms in how lobbyists operate within UK politics.