No 10 confirms Starmer’s WhatsApp messages automatically delete
Summary
Downing Street confirmed that Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s WhatsApp messages automatically delete after a set time. This raises questions about how complete the records are regarding his role in appointing Peter Mandelson as ambassador to Washington, though officials say all required information has been provided.Key Facts
- Keir Starmer uses WhatsApp’s disappearing message feature that deletes messages automatically.
- The government released nearly 1,500 pages of documents about Mandelson’s appointment, but few messages directly from Starmer appeared.
- Most official communications with prime ministers happen through their staff, not direct messaging.
- Cabinet Office guidance allows disappearing messages but requires saving any important content related to policy or decisions.
- Starmer says he has complied fully with information requests regarding these messages.
- Conservatives expressed concern that important messages may have been deleted or lost.
- Mandelson and Starmer had only a small number of WhatsApp exchanges around the 2024 election.
- More messages were found between Mandelson and Work and Pensions Secretary Pat McFadden.
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