The UK Government Digital Service (GDS) has appointed Shelina Hargrove as its first dedicated Deputy Director for Artificial Intelligence on GOV.UK. The move signals that Whitehall is elevating AI from pilot project to strategic priority within digital government. For European administrations still searching for a coherent AI roadmap, the British model—embedding AI leadership directly within the central digital team—could offer a blueprint. The appointment comes as pressure mounts on public services to deliver efficiency gains through automation while maintaining transparency and democratic oversight.