Downing Street has confirmed that Prime Minister Keir Starmer uses disappearing messages on WhatsApp, raising questions about the completeness of recently released documents regarding the appointment of Peter Mandelson as ambassador to Washington. A spokesperson stated that the function aligns with official guidance on non-corporate communications.
The government released nearly 1,500 pages of emails and messages on Monday in response to a Conservative motion seeking transparency on Mandelson's appointment. However, the files contained few messages directly from Starmer, partly because most correspondence with prime ministers goes through officials.
The only WhatsApp exchanges between Starmer and Mandelson were a handful from around the 2024 general election. When asked if others were lost due to disappearing messages, the spokesperson said Starmer had provided all required information. Cabinet Office guidance permits disappearing messages to limit device clutter but stresses that users must not compromise record-keeping or transparency. Relevant messages must be screenshot or otherwise preserved.
Conservative shadow chancellor Alex Burghart called the revelation alarming, accusing Starmer of destroying messages. In contrast, the files showed extensive messages between Mandelson and Pat McFadden, including critical comments about the government. Downing Street confirmed Starmer still has confidence in McFadden.
