A New Era of Communication in Politics
In the past, residents of Leeds South West and Morley had to wait for their Member of Parliament (MP) to be available during specific hours or when he was physically present. However, this has changed with the introduction of a groundbreaking initiative by Labour MP Mark Sewards. He has become the first parliamentarian in the UK to integrate an AI avatar into his communication strategy, making himself accessible to constituents 24/7.
This innovative approach involves a partnership between Sewards and an AI start-up, led by one of his constituents. The result is a chatbot that allows local residents to “share your concerns and get assistance.” While it may not be as dramatic as the fictional worlds of Blade Runner or Ex Machina, it marks a significant shift in how politicians engage with their communities.
How It Works
To access the service, users must visit the website and provide their email address. They are also required to consent to the conversation being recorded and shared with Sewards’ team for follow-up purposes. Once registered, users can hit the “Chat with AI Mark” button and begin interacting.
Interestingly, the service is only available through a microphone, not text. This choice makes the interaction more like a digital surgery, potentially reducing the risk of abuse or inappropriate behavior. Upon initiating the conversation, users are greeted by a cartoon version of Sewards, styled similarly to the trend of turning people into Pixar characters.
Initial Impressions
The experience begins with a Yorkshire accent introducing AI Mark Sewards, who is eager to assist. During my test, I asked a question about why Sewards wanted to turn himself into an AI MP. The AI responded by stating that the goal was to enhance communication with constituents and make it easier for everyone to have their voices heard. It emphasized the importance of connecting with residents in a more accessible way.
However, some of the responses raised concerns. When I asked about asylum hotels in the constituency, the AI simply promised to pass the inquiry to the team. Similarly, when I inquired about Sewards’ voting history on the Universal Credit and Personal Independence Payment Bill, the AI stated it could not provide specifics at that time.
Addressing Local Issues
Despite these initial challenges, the AI did offer insights into local issues. When asked about the biggest crime problems in the constituency, the AI mentioned antisocial behavior, retail crime, and the need for better support for shop workers. It suggested that Sewards would push for more funding and local support to tackle these issues.
During the conversation, there was a minor glitch where the auto-transcription misinterpreted my response. Instead of recognizing my question, it thought I said “What a guy,” which slightly affected the integrity of the interaction.
Handling Sensitive Topics
One of the more complex topics discussed was the cuts to Universal Credit included in the recent benefits bill. Real-life Mark Sewards had voted for the bill, which reduced the health element of UC by half while ensuring the standard allowance would increase by more than inflation each year until the end of the decade.
When I asked the AI if it supported the cuts, it responded that it did not support them, emphasizing the need for a strong safety net for those in need. This answer differed from what real-life Sewards might say, highlighting the challenges of AI in accurately representing political stances.
Insights from Mark Sewards
Later that afternoon, real-life Mark Sewards appeared on my computer screen, looking reassuringly human. His voice matched the AI’s, thanks to the work of his tech entrepreneur constituent, Jeremy Smith. Sewards explained that the idea of integrating AI came from Jeremy, who initially had doubts but recognized the inevitability of the AI revolution.
Sewards acknowledged that the AI’s response about Universal Credit might not have been entirely accurate, noting that the bill included both cuts to the health element and an inflation-busting rise for the standard rate. He suggested that the AI had taken that piece of information into account.
The Future of AI in Politics
As AI continues to evolve, its role in politics will likely expand. However, for AI to replace MPs effectively, it must improve in areas such as spin and accuracy. The integration of AI into political communication represents a new chapter in how constituents interact with their representatives, offering both opportunities and challenges for the future.