Newly appointed British Prime Minister Andy Burnham engaged in a brief text exchange with an individual impersonating a top aide to former President Trump, a security lapse that prompted concern from the British embassy in Washington and notification of the White House. Four officials familiar with the matter told Politico that Burnham communicated with someone he believed to be White House chief of staff Susie Wiles.
Downing Street has declined to comment on national security matters. However, one individual briefed on the incident stated that only a few messages of no significant consequence were exchanged.
The British embassy in Washington reportedly alerted the White House due to concerns over the exchange, according to two anonymous officials. The incident follows a report from The Wall Street Journal last May that Wiles' cell phone contacts were hacked, leading to a White House and FBI investigation after senators, governors, and business executives received messages from someone claiming to be her.
It remains unclear what was discussed during the exchange between Burnham and the imposter, or when the messages were sent. Burnham assumed office on July 20, succeeding former Prime Minister Keir Starmer.