Missing text messages between Cabinet Office minister Darren Jones and Lord Mandelson were not published in the latest tranche of documents, sparking questions about government transparency.
Messages were expected to appear in the batch of Mandelson files published earlier this week but did not, the BBC has reported. The row comes as Downing Street confirmed Sir Keir Starmer uses disappearing messages on his phone. A batch of messages between ministers and Lord Mandelson were published on Monday, but only a few from the prime minister were included.
“Missing text messages between minister Darren Jones and Lord Mandelson were not published in the latest files, while No 10 confirms Sir Keir Starmer uses disappearing messages on his phone, sparking a transparency row.”
According to The Independent, Darren Jones told Lord Mandelson he was “so sorry” after Mandelson was sacked as trade envoy over his ties to Jeffrey Epstein. Those texts were not published in the latest release. Separately, former victims minister Alex Davies-Jones has urged Sir Keir Starmer to meet survivors of Epstein's abuse, warning they risk being forgotten as MPs debate the Mandelson files.
The controversy has implications across the UK as it tests the government's commitment to openness. Critics argue the use of disappearing messages by senior ministers undermines public accountability and the official record.
Downing Street said Sir Keir remains confident in Darren Jones despite the leaked messages. In those messages, Mr Jones also appeared to criticise Chancellor Rachel Reeves, Jonathan Reynolds and Angela Rayner, the Evening Standard reported. The government faces pressure to release the missing messages and clarify its policy on disappearing messages. MPs may demand further parliamentary scrutiny.
What This Means For You: The use of disappearing messages by senior ministers raises concerns about accountability and the public record. It may affect trust in government communications. For readers, this story highlights the importance of transparency in public life, particularly when sensitive information related to historical abuse cases is involved.