Downing Street has confirmed that Prime Minister Keir Starmer uses disappearing messages on his WhatsApp, casting doubt on the completeness of records regarding his role in the appointment of Peter Mandelson as ambassador to Washington. The revelation came during a press briefing where the prime minister's spokesperson stated that Starmer "does use disappearing messages," aligning with official guidance on non-corporate communications.
Details of the Disclosure
On Monday, the government released nearly 1,500 pages of emails, messages, and documents concerning Mandelson's appointment, responding to a Conservative motion demanding transparency. Among these, only a handful of WhatsApp messages between Mandelson and Starmer were found, primarily from around the 2024 general election. This sparse communication has raised questions about whether additional messages were automatically deleted.
The spokesperson clarified that Starmer had provided all required information, stating, "The prime minister has fully complied with the humble address by providing all the information he holds as required." They emphasized that most prime ministerial communications occur through officials, not direct messages.
Official Guidance and Record-Keeping
Cabinet Office guidance permits disappearing messages to "limit the buildup of messages on devices," but stresses that users must ensure such use does not impair record-keeping or transparency. Under rules for ministers and officials, relevant policy or decision messages must be screenshot or otherwise recorded, while non-essential content like gossip may be excluded. The government has announced a review of how these preservation rules operate.
While Starmer and Mandelson are not close, and the available messages show formal exchanges, the Conservative Party expressed alarm. Alex Burghart, shadow chancellor of the duchy of Lancaster, accused Starmer of destroying messages, saying, "Government guidance is clear: significant information and decisions must be properly recorded and preserved. But Keir Starmer's messages to Peter Mandelson have been disappeared or destroyed."
Contrast with Other Officials
In contrast, the released files contain numerous messages between Mandelson and Pat McFadden, the work and pensions secretary, including some critical of the government or Labour MPs. When asked if Starmer still had confidence in McFadden, the spokesperson replied simply, "Yes."
The controversy highlights ongoing debates about transparency and record-keeping in digital communications within the UK government. As the review progresses, further scrutiny is expected on how officials balance convenience with accountability.
