Off message: Hancock saga reveals central role of WhatsApp in UK politics

Matt Hancock apologised after the Daily Telegraph obtained 100,000 of his WhatsApp messages covering his time at the peak of the pandemic. The messages reveal concern within government over the Treasury-led scheme to encourage customers back into dining out.

March 5, 2023 . 7:39 AM

1 min read

Matt Hancock apologised for the Daily Telegraph obtaining 100,000 of his WhatsApp messages covering his time in office at the peak of the pandemic.
Sir Gavin Williamson joked that some teachers complained about protective equipment shortages as “an excuse to avoid having to teach” during the first lockdown in May 2020.
In April 2020, the government had wanted to test everyone moving into a care home for the coronavirus, but the policy was cut back because the state lacked the ability to do so.
The messages reveal concern within government over the Treasury-led scheme from the summer of 2020 to encourage customers back into dining out.
WhatsApp is a key tool in UK politics; it is used to send out press releases, organise voting blocks of MPs, and hosts sensitive discussions involving cabinet ministers.