Starmer uses disappearing messages on his phone, No 10 confirms

Downing Street has confirmed that the prime minister uses an auto delete function on his phone meaning his WhatsApp messages with and about Lord Mandelson may have been lost.

Earlier this year, MPs voted to force the government to publish all documents, including communications, related to the appointment of the peer as the UK's ambassador to the US.

On Monday, a huge tranche of messages were disclosed - including WhatsApps from senior ministers and civil servants - but there were only a few texts from the prime minister himself.

Speaking to broadcasters, Sir Keir Starmer said he had handed over all the "messages I hold" and had "complied" with the process.

"Many people, not just in politics, use disappearing messages," he added.

The disappearing message tool allows WhatsApp users to set a time limit of 24 hours, seven days or 90 days, after which their texts are deleted.

Guidance for ministers says disappearing messages are permitted as long as they don't affect record keeping or transparency.

However, a review is under way into the use of WhatsApp and the prime minister's official spokesman admitted there were "lessons to be learnt".