Fresh political tension has emerged after UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer acknowledged that he uses disappearing WhatsApp messages, following criticism over what appears to be a gap in the official release of communications linked to the controversial appointment of Peter Mandelson as US ambassador.
Downing Street confirmed the feature is enabled on the Prime Minister’s device, insisting it is permitted provided it does not undermine official record-keeping rules.
The clarification came after questions were raised about a large government document release in which Starmer featured only minimally.
Officials said the Prime Minister had complied fully with Parliament’s “humble address” order requiring the disclosure of all messages exchanged with Mandelson, though critics have pointed to what they describe as inconsistencies and missing material in the 1,500-page dump.
Missing exchanges and questions over the 1,500-page release
The publication of more than 1,500 pages of messages and documents has triggered scrutiny across Westminster, particularly because key exchanges involving Starmer appear limited or absent.
The data release relates to internal discussions surrounding Mandelson’s appointment as US ambassador, a decision now widely described within the documents as politically damaging and internally divisive.
Among the concerns raised is the absence of previously reported exchanges, including a message in which Starmer allegedly described Mandelson as a “brilliant” envoy. Officials have not confirmed why some material appears missing.
Downing Street maintains that all legally required communications were handed over and that any omissions are consistent with lawful exemptions or ongoing investigations.
Cabinet meeting exposes internal frustrations at the top of government
The controversy unfolded alongside an uneasy Cabinet meeting convened by Keir Starmer as ministers responded to the fallout from the leaked messages.
The documents paint a picture of internal strain within government ranks, including candid remarks from Work and Pensions Secretary Pat McFadden, who reportedly voiced frustration that some MPs primarily push for higher taxation measures to fund expanded welfare spending.
McFadden was also said to have acknowledged that Starmer’s authority suffered a setback following last summer’s rebellion against proposed welfare reforms, which blocked key government plans.
Despite the blunt tone of the revelations, No10 confirmed the Prime Minister continues to have full confidence in McFadden.
Political jabs, leadership concerns, and Mandelson’s private remarks
The released messages also contain politically sensitive commentary from Mandelson, including claims that figures close to the Labour leadership were discussing concerns about Starmer’s performance and internal party tensions.
The documents allege that former Prime Minister Gordon Brown was described as favouring Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner, while Downing Street staff were labelled in unflattering terms.
Health Secretary Wes Streeting also features in the exchanges, where Mandelson is said to have criticised his reaction to comments on Israel policy, describing one message as “hysterical” and questioning his judgement.
Elsewhere, Mandelson reportedly mocked Streeting’s behaviour as lacking maturity and described his stance on international issues as politically overreaching.
Diplomacy, endorsements, and handwritten notes in the background
The wider document release includes a handwritten note from Mandelson to then-Foreign Secretary David Lammy, in which he insisted Starmer would “never regret” appointing him to the ambassadorial role.
Other correspondence suggests a number of senior figures privately supported Mandelson’s appointment, with ministers reportedly offering direct congratulations during the process.
A separate exchange included Starmer thanking Mandelson for suggesting he meet former Prime Minister John Major, describing him as a “thoughtful man” and agreeing to make contact.
Limited Starmer footprint in documents fuels further scrutiny
Despite the scale of the release, Starmer appears only briefly across the 1,500 pages, a fact that has intensified questions from opposition figures about whether all relevant material was properly disclosed.
Officials insist the Prime Minister followed all procedures and that messaging practices, including disappearing chats, remain compliant with government rules when used alongside proper record-keeping systems.
The controversy, however, has widened political pressure on Downing Street, with critics arguing the revelations expose deeper tensions at the heart of government decision-making.
Mixed ministerial responses deepen political unease
Reaction from senior ministers has been notably cautious.
Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper offered qualified support for the Prime Minister while distancing herself from Mandelson’s criticisms.
Speaking during a visit to Beijing, Cooper rejected Mandelson’s characterisation of Starmer’s leadership style, while stressing that her focus remained on international security matters.
Cabinet Office minister Nick Thomas-Symonds also addressed the issue, confirming that some messages linked to Mandelson could not be recovered, reportedly due to lost or inaccessible devices belonging to officials.
He defended McFadden’s approach to welfare policy, describing him as consistent and focused on opportunity rather than benefit expansion, and emphasised continuity in the government’s broader economic agenda.
Downing Street holds line as pressure continues
Downing Street continues to insist that all disclosure requirements have been met and that internal messaging practices remain within legal and procedural boundaries.
However, with questions persisting over missing exchanges, Cabinet tensions laid bare in the documents, and ongoing political fallout from Mandelson’s controversial appointment, the issue shows little sign of fading from the centre of Westminster debate.
