The Helper Behind Burnham's Return Had Tech Company Ties

Martha Dalton, co-leader of influence company Lodestone, ran messaging and pushback against critics for Andy Burnham’s special election in Makerfield. Lodestone worked for tech company Palantir in 2024-2025, showing lawmakers how its AI tools could help public services. Dalton took six weeks off unpaid, the Guardian reported Oct. 2. Burnham became prime minister in July 2026.