Politics is too serious a matter to be left to the politicians, so the saying goes.
This may be why a businessman in the south of England is proposing a novel solution: putting himself forward as a candidate in the UK general election as the first “AI MP”.
AI Steve is a nominee on the list of candidates for the 4 July general election in Brighton Pavilion, last held by the Green party’s Caroline Lucas, who is stepping down.
The man behind AI Steve is Steve Endacott, a self-described entrepreneur who lives in Rochdale, but “maintains a house in Brighton”.
Endacott, who is the chair of an artificial intelligence company called Neural Voice but “made his fortune” in the travel sector, claims he will attend parliament to vote on policies as guided by AI Steve’s feedback from his constituents.
He claims the AI representative would answer constituents’ concerns and questions using a rendition of Endacott’s voice and an avatar.
“AI Steve was created to ensure that the people of Brighton and Hove had 24/7 access to leave opinions and create policies,” he wrote on his website.
Endacott, 59, describes himself as a “capitalist with a socialist conscience”.
“Steve comes from a working-class background, with a mother who worked in Tesco and a father who unloaded ships in Sheppey docks.
“He understands the value of money and greatly appreciates that the success of his business exploits has left him relatively wealthy and able to enter politics without needing the financial rewards some others seek.”
On the environment, he says: “Steve is deeply concerned about global warming but hesitates to join the Green party as he is focused on implementing practical and affordable green policies.”
Endacott’s party – Smarter UK – was not registered in time for the election so AI Steve will stand as an independent.
Endacott unsuccessfully stood for the Conservatives in a local election in Rochdale in 2022 in the ward of Milnrow & Newhey. He received 487 votes.
Other candidates in Brighton Pavilion include Siân Berry for the Greens, Tom Gray for Labour, Ashley Ridley for the Liberal Democrats and Sarah Webster for the Conservatives.
Endacott has been approached for comment.
