Sevenoaks Councillor Speaks Again with AI-Synthesized Voice

Nick Varley, a Sevenoaks councillor diagnosed with motor neurone disease in 2024, uses an AI voice trained on his own recordings to speak publicly, enabling him to participate in council meetings. The AI system, developed by the MND Association and 11Labs, was first used at a cabinet meeting on January 13. Varley has also supported fundraising for MND charities, raising over £21,000 through events like the Moonlight Walk and a Leeds charity run.