The UK government faces mounting criticism over alleged cronyism after revelations that Tony Blair privately lobbied on behalf of billionaire Larry Ellison, whose technology company could earn millions from Labour’s digital ID plans.
Confidential documents show the former prime minister urged Business Secretary Peter Kyle in a 2024 private meeting to consult the Ellison Institute of Technology, founded by Oracle chairman Ellison. Ellison, the world’s second-richest man and a prominent supporter of Israel, has donated or pledged £257 million to Blair’s Institute for Global Change, while Oracle already holds £700 million in UK government IT contracts.
Oracle is now seen as a leading contender for work tied to the nationwide rollout of mandatory digital IDs for employment announced by Keir Starmer. Critics argue the company is well placed to profit, noting that Oracle and the Ellison Institute met ministers and officials 29 times in nine months, prompting concerns about transparency and fair competition.
Blair’s close personal and financial relationship with Ellison, including reports of lavish holidays, has intensified scrutiny, with opposition MPs calling for a parliamentary inquiry. Although Blair’s spokesperson said the lobbying aimed to promote science and technology investment, documents indicate he recommended engagement with Ellison’s group and promoted digital ID as a cost-saving measure, leaving unresolved concerns about conflicts of interest and donor influence.
Oracle is a frontrunner for US ownership of TikTok.
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