AI? More Like Nay-I: AI Candidate Steve Ranks Last In 2024 UK General Election

AI Steve is the first-ever artificial intelligence candidate to run for the top job. Sadly, it didn't fare too well.

Despite its innovative campaign, AI Steve struggled to gain traction among voters. (Image courtesy: ai-steve.co.uk; Nancy Hughes/Unsplash)

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Rishi Sunak is on his way out, making way for Labour leader Keir Starmer as the 2024 UK general election wraps up. In the middle of everything that went down, a certain synthetic candidate also tried its luck in the polls, with understandably disastrous results. In a historic yet unconventional bid, artificial intelligence (AI) made its debut in the UK general election. AI Steve, an independent candidate conceived by businessman Steve Endacott, ran for the Brighton Pavilion constituency.

Despite the sci-fi-novel-ish approach, AI Steve garnered only 179 votes, representing a mere 0.3 per cent of the total.

Who Is AI Steve?

Steve Endacott introduced AI Steve out of frustration with traditional politics, aiming to offer a unique alternative. Powered by Neural Voice company, the AI candidate was designed to provide constant access to constituents, engaging with them on various issues and suggesting policy ideas. The AI was capable of handling up to 10,000 simultaneous conversations.

The UK election watchdog clarified that if AI Steve had won, it would be Endacott, the human candidate, who would assume the role of Member of Parliament. This announcement came amid growing curiosity and scepticism about AI's potential role in governance.

Despite its innovative campaign, AI Steve struggled to gain traction among voters. The Brighton Pavilion constituency, which experienced a 70 per cent voter turnout, saw Green Party's Sian Berry clinch the seat.

On a broader scale, Keir Starmer's Labour Party triumphed in the general election, securing a majority government with over 326 seats in the House of Commons. This victory ended 14 years of Conservative leadership, paving the way for Starmer to become the next Prime Minister of the United Kingdom.

Incumbent Prime Minister Rishi Sunak acknowledged the defeat, following the loss of multiple cabinet members' seats, signalling a significant shift in the UK's political landscape.