Mark Sewards has become the first British MP to launch AI version of himself.
The MP for Leeds South West and Morley has worked with a local constituent’s AI start-up company to create a prototype AI version that can answer questions and help with casework queries.
This innovative AI model, created for free by Neural Voice in Drighlington, uses cutting-edge neural voice synthesis and advanced natural language processing to replicate the speaking style, tone, and mannerisms of Mr Sewards.
The model has been developed using his Parliamentary contributions, social media profiles and previous correspondences with constituents on a range of policy issues.
The aim of this tool is to provide constituents of Leeds South West and Morley with a 24/7
service that will allow them to ask their MP for help with local casework issues, policy related queries or simply pass on a message to him and his office.
The AI tool can be found here.
Mr Sewards, whose constituency covers Farnley & Wortley, said: “When a constituent and local business owner approached me with this idea, I was very excited to work with him because I wanted to increase my knowledge of AI and its potential applications.
“This prototype AI model offers my constituents a new way to engage with their Member of Parliament and their office. I’m very keen to explore how new technologies such as AI, can help strengthen the connection between an MP’s office and the constituents we serve.”
Mr Sewards said the approach is a ;good first step in broadcasting how AI can be used to
improve our democracy and make MP’s offices more efficient’.
He added: “Having an AI start-up based in my constituency willing to work with me on this project has been fantastic. I would like to thank Jeremy Smith and Neural Voice for all their hard work to create the UK’s first virtual MP!
“I encourage any resident of Leeds South West and Morley to give AI Mark a try. This is only the first step, and all feedback will be very welcome to further develop a practical, useful tool that can help people.”
Neural Voice is a Voice AI platform that allows people and businesses to create Voice AI
assistants for your phone systems and websites. It uses state of the art LLMs and voice
synthesis technology to allow communication in real time.
Jeremy Smith, CEO and Co-founder of Neural Voice said: “For too long, politicians have been out of reach for their constituents. The vast majority of people do not know the name of their MP, let alone their voice and what they stand for.
“This also means that most MPs are out of touch with their constituents. There’s only so many hours in a day. We are working with Mark to bring access to his office to the masses and to make him more accessible to the constituents of Leeds South West and Morley, with using revolutionary technology.
“We believe many other MPs and businesses will shortly follow suit to be more accessible to the world.”
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