No 10 confirms Starmer’s WhatsApp messages automatically delete

Spokesperson says function is in line with official guidance as scrutiny of papers relating to Peter Mandelson continues

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Keir Starmer’s WhatsApp messages automatically delete from his smartphone, Downing Street has confirmed, calling into question how full a picture emerged of his role in the appointment of Peter Mandelson from a recently released tranche of government documents.

Asked at a briefing whether Starmer uses the function on his WhatsApp messages, the prime minister’s spokesperson said he “does use disappearing messages”, adding that this was in line with official guidance on the use of so-called non-corporate communications.