Meet AI Steve: The AI Candidate Running for UK Parliament
In an unprecedented move, AI Steve, an artificial intelligence candidate, is set to run for Parliament in the United Kingdom’s general election next month. This novel approach, spearheaded by businessman Steve Endacott, aims to humanise politics and revolutionise the democratic process by making it more inclusive and responsive to constituents.
AI Steve, represented by Endacott, will be on the ballot alongside traditional candidates in the Brighton Pavilion constituency. Endacott, the Chairman of Neural Voice, explained, “AI Steve is the AI co-pilot. I’m the real politician going into Parliament, but I’m controlled by my co-pilot.” This AI avatar allows voters to interact directly, asking questions and sharing policy opinions through a sophisticated language model.
Engaging Constituents with AI
The core idea behind AI Steve is to provide a platform where constituents can voice their concerns and opinions at any time. Endacott noted, “People can ask AI Steve questions or share their opinions on policies on its website, where the AI provides answers based on a comprehensive database.” This system ensures that the voters’ needs and preferences constantly guide politicians’ actions.
The Validator System
Endacott’s campaign also involves thousands of “validators,” representing the typical person, mainly targeting Brighton locals with long commutes. These validators rate policies from 1 to 10 weekly, and any policy receiving more than 50% support becomes official party policy. “Every single policy, I will say that my decision is my voters’ decision. And I’m connected to my voters at any time on a weekly basis via electronic means,” Endacott explained.
Overcoming Traditional Political Disillusionment
Having previously run unsuccessfully for the Conservative Party, Endacott has shifted his approach, launching his own Smarter U.K. party, though it was not registered in time for this election. His platform focuses on environmental issues and reducing carbon emissions. Despite the unconventional nature of his candidacy, Endacott insists, “It’s not AI taking over the world. It’s AI being used as a technical way of connecting to our constituents and reinventing democracy.”
Policies and Public Interaction
AI Steve’s campaign website allows users to join a team of “creators” to help develop new policies. By interacting with the AI, supporters can propose and validate policies, ensuring that only those with significant backing are adopted. This process is designed to stop impractical policies and ensure that the platform truly represents the people’s will.
Practical Concerns and Future Ambitions
Endacott’s campaign highlights his working-class background and business success, positioning him as a practical and concerned candidate. He aims to address local issues like waste management and road maintenance and even national concerns like immigration and tech regulation. “We’re talking about reinventing democracy here, reconnecting voters directly back to their MPs so they can tell them what they want from the comfort of their own home,” he stated.
Addressing Skepticism
While some view the concept of an AI politician sceptically, Endacott emphasises that the initiative is serious and not a PR stunt. “We are serious. You have to be honest. If you want a better NHS and education, you have to raise taxes—you have to stop bulls***ting people and tell them the truth.” He focuses on transparency, accountability, and inclusivity, aiming to reshape politics to better serve the people.
The Broader Implications
Endacott’s use of AI in politics is not entirely without precedent. Similar experiments have been seen in Wyoming and Denmark. However, AI Steve represents a more direct and comprehensive integration of AI into the democratic process, potentially setting a new political engagement and representation standard.
Conclusion
AI Steve’s candidacy represents a bold step towards a more interactive and responsive political system. By leveraging AI technology, Endacott aims to bridge the gap between politicians and constituents, ensuring that the latter’s voices are heard and acted upon. Whether this experiment will transform the political landscape remains to be seen, but it undeniably marks a significant shift towards more innovative and inclusive governance.
