British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer's official spokesperson has confirmed the prime minister's WhatsApp messages are set to automatically disappear — a revelation that emerged after a cabinet meeting on the same day as the release of around a thousand pages of documents related to the appointment and dismissal of Peter Mandelson as British ambassador to Washington.
The documents, which cost more than one million pounds (approximately 1.3 million dollars) to assemble, contain messages from cabinet ministers expressing doubt about Sir Keir Starmer's leadership.
The opposition Conservatives say they are surprised by how little of the prime minister's own communications feature in the release, and have accused the government of a cover-up.
Olly Barratt reports from London.
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Olly Barratt in London says the documents also raise fresh questions about Sir Keir Starmer's original decision to appoint Peter Mandelson, with messages showing he was considered difficult to deal with by those inside government.
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Olly Barratt in London says the released messages reveal expressions of doubt about the prime minister's leadership from within his own government, making for uncomfortable reading around the cabinet table.
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