No 10 confirms Starmer uses disappearing WhatsApp messages amid Mandelson transparency row

Downing Street has confirmed that Prime Minister Keir Starmer utilises the disappearing messages function on WhatsApp, asserting that the practice is consistent with official Cabinet Office guidance. The admission follows the release of nearly 1,500 pages of documents concerning Peter Mandelson’s appointment as ambassador to Washington, a tranche of material generated in response to a Conservative motion in the House of Commons demanding greater transparency.

A spokesperson for the Prime Minister stated that Starmer “does use disappearing messages” and that this approach adheres to the rules governing non-corporate communications. The released files contained only a handful of WhatsApp exchanges between Starmer and Mandelson, primarily dating from just before and after the 2024 general election. The government maintained that Starmer had fully complied with the parliamentary address by providing all information he holds, noting that most correspondence with the Prime Minister typically occurs through his private office.

Cabinet Office guidance acknowledges that disappearing messages serve a role in limiting the accumulation of data on devices. However, it stipulates that such use must not compromise record-keeping or transparency obligations. Ministers and officials are required to screenshot or otherwise record messages that relate to policy or decisions, while excluding informal content such as gossip. The government previously announced a review into the mechanisms for preserving these digital records.

The Conservative opposition has strongly criticised the revelation. Shadow Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster Alex Burghart argued that Starmer’s messages to Mandelson had been “disappeared or destroyed,” describing the administration as “shoddy.” Burghart contended that the use of disappearing messages undermines the requirement for significant information and decisions to be properly recorded and preserved.

The documents also revealed a high volume of messaging between Mandelson and Work and Pensions Secretary Pat McFadden, some of which contained critical remarks about the government and Labour MPs. When asked whether Starmer retained confidence in McFadden, the Prime Minister’s spokesperson confirmed that he did. Scrutiny of the papers relating to Mandelson continues as the government defends its adherence to transparency protocols.