Starmer uses disappearing messages on his phone, No 10 confirms

Prime Minister Keir Starmer's use of disappearing messages on his phone has raised transparency concerns, with Downing Street confirming the auto-delete function may have resulted in the loss of WhatsApp communications concerning Lord Mandelson's appointment as the UK's ambassador to the US. This development follows a parliamentary vote requiring the government to publish all related documents.

“

Many people, not just in politics, use disappearing messages.

While a significant number of messages were disclosed, only a few originated from Starmer himself. He asserted that he had handed over all "messages I hold" and "complied" with the process, noting that "many people, not just in politics, use disappearing messages." The auto-delete feature allows messages to be removed after 24 hours, seven days, or 90 days.

Government guidance permits disappearing messages provided they do not compromise record-keeping or transparency. However, a review is underway into WhatsApp usage, and the prime minister's official spokesperson acknowledged "lessons to be learnt." The spokesperson pointed out that the disclosed papers included "multiple" documents from the prime minister's private office, which is the standard channel for communicating decisions.

“

Government guidance is clear: significant information and decisions must be properly recorded and preserved.

Conservative shadow minister Alex Burghart criticized Starmer, stating, "Government guidance is clear: significant information and decisions must be properly recorded and preserved." He added, "But Keir Starmer's messages to Peter Mandelson have been disappeared or destroyed." Lord Beamish, chair of the Intelligence and Security Committee, urged senior officials and ministers to cease using WhatsApp for government business due to security and audit trail concerns, a culture he believes persists despite previous committee warnings.

“

These are all issues that the last committee raised with both the Johnson and Sunak Governments. That culture is continuing; it cannot be allowed to continue.