Prime Minister Andy Burnham exchanged messages with someone impersonating Donald Trump’s chief of staff, it has emerged. The Prime Minister was in contact with an unknown individual pretending to be top White House aide Susie Wiles before concerns were raised about the incident.
No messages of significance were sent and the suspicious activity was quickly reported to the appropriate authorities, it is understood. The British embassy in Washington was so concerned it raised the matter with the White House, according to Playbook, which first reported the exchange.
Government statement
A UK Government spokesperson said: “We do not comment on national security matters.”
Last year, The Wall Street Journal reported that the FBI had launched an investigation into efforts to access Ms Wiles’ phone after an unknown person contacted prominent Republicans and business chiefs while pretending to be her.
Background and timing
It is unclear when the messages were sent and what was discussed between Mr Burnham and the impersonator. The Prime Minister succeeded Sir Keir Starmer in Downing Street on July 20.
The government recently announced a temporary ban on the sale of disposable barbeques as they pose a “significant risk to the public”. The Prime Minister called a meeting last week in response to a prolonged spell of exceptionally hot and dry weather.
Wildfire alert
An emergency alert was sent to mobile phones across England and Wales on Friday at the request of fire and rescue officers. The alert was sent around 7pm on Friday, August 14 and warned of a very high risk of wildfires nationally.
