UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham’s first days in office were quickly overshadowed by a potential national security embarrassment after he reportedly exchanged messages with an individual posing as one of President Trump’s most senior advisers.
Burnham engaged in a brief conversation with someone he apparently believed was White House chief of staff Susie Wiles, before doubts emerged about whether the contact was genuine, four officials told Politico.
Downing Street declined to discuss the episode in detail, telling the outlet only: “We do not comment on national security matters.”
A person briefed on the exchange sought to downplay the incident, saying the conversation involved only a “few messages” and that nothing of “no significance” was shared.
Still, the British Embassy in Washington was reportedly concerned enough to alert the White House, according to two officials who spoke anonymously.
Wiles’ phone contacts were compromised in May, the Wall Street Journal reported, prompting investigations by the White House and the FBI after senators, governors and prominent US business leaders said they had received calls and messages from someone impersonating her.
It remains unclear what Burnham and the impersonator discussed, as well as when the messages were sent.
Burnham took over from former Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who left office amid political turmoil, and formally assumed the premiership on July 20.
