The New Statesman: politics and culture Who does the Tony Blair Institute really work for?
Sep 27, 2025
Investigative journalist Peter Geoghegan and reporter May Bulman delve into the substantial funding of the Tony Blair Institute by billionaire Larry Ellison, revealing how it reshaped the think tank’s focus and operations. They discuss Ellison's influence on TBI, the implications of pushing tech solutions in public services, and the potential conflicts arising from this funding. The conversation also touches on Blair's future role in Gaza and the broader political ramifications of Ellison's contributions.
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TBI Became A Huge Policy Behemoth
- The Tony Blair Institute (TBI) has grown into a behemoth with ~900 staff and ~£150m revenue.
- Its scale now dwarfs typical UK thinktanks and changes how it operates and influences policy.
Ellison Funding Pivoted TBI Toward Tech
- Larry Ellison's donations after 2021 shifted TBI's focus sharply toward AI and tech.
- Former staff say other priorities (development, faith, anti-extremism) were downplayed as TBI pivoted to tech.
TBI Influence Reaches Into Government
- TBI proposals and personnel connect closely to the UK government, influencing tech and AI policy.
- Several ex-TBI staff moved into government roles and policy language mirrored TBI reports like on digital IDs.
