UK PM Starmer Defends Disappearing WhatsApp Messages, June 03

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer confirmed on Tuesday that he uses WhatsApp’s disappearing messages function, after the government released over 1,000 pages of documents about Lord Peter Mandelson’s appointment as US ambassador. Downing Street said Starmer complied with a parliamentary request to hand over relevant messages, though communications on disappearing messages would not be preserved. The revelation has sparked debate about government transparency and record-keeping.

What the Mandelson Files Revealed

The government published more than 1,000 pages of emails and WhatsApp messages on Monday relating to Mandelson’s time as US ambassador. The documents include private conversations between Mandelson and senior ministers, including criticism of Labour MPs, the Prime Minister, and operations at 10 Downing Street. Only a limited number of text messages between Mandelson and Starmer were disclosed, partly because Starmer uses disappearing messages on WhatsApp.

Starmer’s Defence of the Practice

Starmer told broadcasters on Tuesday that he complied with requests to hand over messages and went through the same process as everyone else. He said many people outside politics also use disappearing messages. Downing Street confirmed the Prime Minister uses the feature, meaning communications sent via that method would not be available for disclosure.

Other Ministers and Transparency Issues

Cabinet Office minister Nick Thomas-Symonds said the released messages were embarrassing but confirmed the government’s commitment to comply with a parliamentary motion passed in February. Finance Secretary Rachel Reeves also uses disappearing WhatsApp messages. Scottish Secretary Douglas Alexander met Mandelson’s lobbying firm Global Counsel in July 2024 but did not publicly declare the meeting for 18 months, only adding it to transparency logs earlier this year.

Questions About Government Record-Keeping

The Mandelson files release has raised concerns about how government records are preserved and disclosed. The documents show private exchanges between ministers and Mandelson, including discussions on policy and personnel. Critics argue that the use of disappearing messages limits public access to government decision-making, while officials defend the practice as common among many people.

Final Thoughts

The release of over 1,000 pages of Mandelson documents has exposed gaps in government transparency. Starmer’s use of disappearing messages means some communications will never be publicly available, raising questions about accountability in Westminster.

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