Boris Johnson is regularly texted by business leaders and politicians, sources have admitted, though a loophole in the ministerial code means only meetings and not text messages need to be disclosed.
There is also growing concern inside Whitehall that “government by WhatsApp” and text message is no longer sustainable, and some of the
seven inquiries newly commissioned into lobbying are likely to recommend change.
There is concern that
the prime minister has distributed his number liberally in the past and
was regularly contacted by businesses leaders, politicians and other individuals.
Johnson is reported to have been texted by the Saudi leader, Mohammed bin Salman, over the proposed takeover of Newcastle United football club. He also reportedly joined the ultra-secure messaging service Signal.
There is no requirement in the ministerial code (as approved by Johnson) to declare lobbying approaches made by text, and no clear guidance on whether the code covers virtual meetings. However, texts to the prime minister concerning government business are covered under freedom of information legislation.
A senior former Whitehall insider said Johnson’s mobile use raised questions about decision-making at the top of government. A former intelligence official said: “I suspect James Dyson is not at the top of the securocrats’ worry list. But you have to ask whether this episode is indicative of a wider carelessness in government.”
The former official said he believed the key issue was whether the conclusion of Johnson’s exchange with Dyson was properly recorded. Ministers can use mobiles for government business, as long as ministerial decisions can be noted and acted on. “This is about standards in government, and whether the prime minister’s actions are auditable,” they added.
All ministers, including the prime minister, are given a security briefing on entering office, and told they can be prosecuted under the Official Secrets Act if they pass classified information via a mobile device or any other means. They are also given the opportunity to have their mobile upgraded if they are prepared to hand their old phone to Whitehall technical experts.
Labour has asked the parliamentary liaison committee to launch a full investigation into Johnson’s conduct and asked them to request the release of all correspondence on his phone about government business.