Reason why text messages are missing from Peter Mandelson files as 1,000 pages released

On Monday (1 June), more than 1,000 pages of documents were released relating to Lord Peter Mandelson’s posting as UK ambassador to Washington as well as the process that saw him appointed.

These files include thousands of previously private messages exchanged on WhatsApp between top Government figures. However, there are texts that are missing.

Those included show Mandelson criticising Sir Keir Starmer’s leadership and saying there was a ‘complete revamp needed’ at No 10.

He also claimed the Government would ‘never regret’ appointing him.

Of course, however, the former ambassador has been disgraced, and he is being investigated by police over allegations of misconduct in public office. He was sacked last year following revelations about the extent of his relationship with Jeffrey Epstein. Mandelson has denied wrongdoing.

The files include thousands of previously private WhatsApp messages. (Henry NICHOLLS / AFP via Getty Images)

There were some notable omissions from the documents released yesterday including redactions to avoid prejudicing the police investigation. The government does intend to public these once that’s complete.

But there are also a series of WhatsApp exchanges between ministers and Mandelson that are missing.

Firstly, that’s as they ‘may not have been backed up’ due to disappearing messages or a change in devices according to Chief Secretary to the Prime Minister Darren Jones.

Plus, Mandelson apparently ‘declined to comply’ with a request to hand over his personal phone and allow the Government to publish WhatsApp messages and other information related to his appointment.

Jones explained the government couldn’t compel him to do so as it doesn’t have those powers.

And another key reason for missing WhatsApps in these files is down to the theft of former Downing Street chief of staff Morgan McSweeney. Although, there is a page of group messages that he provided.

But there are also messages missing as EU relations minister Nick Thomas-Symonds had his phone snatched last year.

In one message, Mandelson said Starmer 'lacks nerve'. (Jose Sarmento Matos/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

He reported on 15 October that his personal phone was stolen by ‘three people on bikes’ and explained the messages he could recall, understood to all have been before Mandelson’s ambassador appointment.

An ally of Mr Thomas-Symonds said: “Nick complied fully with the humble address, sharing all details of the messages he could recall, which were all prior to Mandelson taking up post.

“It is right that transparency is the only remedy.”

A Metropolitan Police spokesperson said: “We were called on Wednesday, October 15 at around 23:25 hrs, with a man reporting his phone had been stolen by three people on bikes. The incident took place around half an hour earlier on Marsham Street, Westminster.

“Officers made initial inquiries, but the case was closed after no suspects could be identified.”