Keir Starmer's 'disappearing Peter Mandelson messages' must be investigated, say Tories

Sir Keir Starmer's disappearing WhatsApp messages must be investigated by the parliamentary ethics watchdog, the Tories have said.

Shadow Northern Ireland Secretary Alex Burghart wrote to Sir Laurie Magnus, the Prime Minister’s adviser on ministers’ interests, to call for an investigation into whether Sir Keir adhered to official guidance on record-keeping.

Ministerial guidance, which was updated in 2023, cautioned against using the disappearing messages function if it impedes record-keeping or transparency.

The Prime Minister's official spokesman confirmed earlier this week that Sir Keir was using the function on his encrypted WhatsApp service.

Chancellor Rachel Reeves and then-Foreign Secretary David Lammy also used the function.

In his letter to Sir Laurie, Mr Burghart wrote: “I believe that an independent consideration is needed on such matters. It raises serious questions about the ethics and integrity at the heart of Government.

“At its heart, this is a tale about corrupt and predatory practices of Jeffrey Epstein and his friends, and a style of behaviour in public life that is rotten to the core.

“In that light, I believe it would be timely for you to undertake an investigation in the conduct of the Prime Minister and his office. This should not be brushed under the carpet.

“In your consideration, you may be guided by the Principles on Standards in Public Life.

"I note they include: ‘Holders of public office should act and take decisions in an open and transparent manner. Information should not be withheld from the public unless there are clear and lawful reasons for so doing.’”

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