MORGAN McSweeney is believed to have had disappearing messages on some of his phone WhatsApp chats – sparking fresh fears of gaps in the Mandelson Files.
The Sun on Sunday understands the PM’s ex chief-of-staff is among the many No10 aides and ministers who have auto delete on messages.
These messages then vanish forever on the phones of the person who sent it and the person who received it.
This means their potentially embarrassing chats with and about Peter Mandelson could be lost forever.
Tory shadow cabinet minister Alex Burghart said: “Thanks to Morgan McSweeney’s disappearing phone with its disappearing messages, we may never know the full extent of the Mandelson-Epstein scandal.
“But there should be a backup of the messages – and if there isn’t, Labour must tell us why.
“But Labour must release all relevant information they hold about this sorry affair, and do so as soon as possible.”
Downing Street was plunged into turmoil after we revealed last week that Mr McSweeney had his government phone stolen on October 20 last year.
Its contents were wiped as a security measure – meaning most of his messages with shamed Mandelson were lost.
The theft took place four months before Parliament ordered the release of the Mandelson Files, although there was talk of it at the time.
Sir Keir Starmer has slammed claims the phone theft could have been faked as “far fetched”.
Officials have been scrambling to recover at least some of the exchanges – but many are believed to be lost forever.
But today’s revelation sparks fresh concerns that full discussions within No10 about Mandelson’s ties with US paedophile Jeffrey Epstein may never be uncovered.
There is guidance saying aides should copy government business onto an official system.
The Sun on Sunday can also reveal the government is launching a review of the way ministers and aides use their phones and Whatsapp amid the controversy.
Cabinet Office minister Nick Thomas-Symonds confirmed the review in a written parliamentary question.
He said: “The current guidance was issued under the previous government.
“We plan to review the way that non-corporate communication channels are used in Government and to update the accompanying guidance to reflect the changes in the ways we use technology.”
It is understood this was in train before the Mandelson controversy and was ordered after concerns over disappearing messages were raised in the Covid Inquiry.
A government spokesman said they are committed to publishing the Mandelson Files “while continuing to support the Metropolitan Police with their investigation”.
He added: “All government departments, ministers and relevant individuals are being asked to provide all relevant information they hold.”
