The Prime Minister’s office revealed that Keir Starmer’s WhatsApp messages are set to automatically delete, potentially leading to the loss of conversations with Lord Mandelson. Parliament was compelled to release over 1,400 pages of documents related to Lord Mandelson’s controversial appointment, shedding light on his extensive influence within the Government. This disclosure, known as the Mandelson files, is the most significant since the Iraq War inquiry, incurring a cost of £1million to taxpayers.
Despite the use of disappearing messages by the Prime Minister, Downing Street assured that all rules regarding the release of the Mandelson files were strictly followed. Government guidelines emphasize the importance of properly recording and preserving critical information and decisions, raising concerns about the use of self-deleting messages.
Among the limited exchanges disclosed, a mere page of messages between Keir Starmer and Lord Mandelson was revealed, including discussions about meeting former Tory leader Sir John Major. Additionally, concerns were raised over inaccessible messages from cabinet minister Nick Thomas-Symonds and former Downing Street chief of staff Morgan McSweeney due to their lost phones.
In a separate political development, Andy Burnham dismissed the possibility of an early general election if he assumes the role of Prime Minister, as he focuses on running for Labour in the Makerfield by-election. Speculation about a potential snap election to strengthen his mandate has been quashed by Burnham’s spokesperson.