National security concerns raised after Boris Johnson’s phone number was online for 15 years
- The British prime minister’s personal mobile number appeared on a press release from 2006 when he was an opposition MP
- A former national security adviser said that hostile states and criminal gangs could have access to Johnson’s contact details
The phone number appeared on a press release from 2006 when Johnson was an opposition MP, and he was reportedly still using it this week.
When called on Friday, there was an automated message indicating that the phone was switched off. “Please try later, or send a text,” the message said.
British ministers are issued a government phone for official business, and receive security briefings from intelligence agencies on protecting their communications.
Johnson’s liberal sharing of his personal number with politicians, tycoons and foreign leaders had already prompted Britain’s top civil servant to urge him to change it, according to recent reports.
Downing Street did not deny those reports. It did not immediately comment on the latest revelation, first reported by the gossip website Popbitch late on Thursday.
