UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s Personal Mobile Number Leaked Online; What’s The Purpose?
A recent security breach has led to the leakage of UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s personal cellphone number, raising concerns about the digital security of prominent UK politicians. Pranksters on social media went to the extent of posting audio of Sunak’s phone ringing and the Prime Minister’s message in response. This incident echoes a similar security concern that forced former Prime Minister Boris Johnson to change his cellphone number two and a half years earlier.
The authenticity of the leak was verified by The Sun, who reported that the number released is the same one that Sunak has been using for many years, including during his time as Chancellor and throughout last year’s leadership contest. Despite claims that Sunak was given a new contact number when he took office a year ago, the footage released indicates that his leaked old number is still in use.
In light of this security breach, discussions about the necessity for stronger digital security measures for prominent lawmakers have been reignited. Lord Ricketts, former UK national security advisor, emphasized the importance of enhancing the digital security of leading politicians. He highlighted the risks associated with illegal access to phone calls, including the potential exposure of sensitive or diplomatic information. Lord Ricketts stressed the need for limited and supervised access to safeguard top politicians like Rishi Sunak, stating that they should not be easily accessible to everyone who previously had their phone number.
Furthermore, this incident has shed light on Sunak’s previous difficulties in providing specific WhatsApp chats to the UK COVID probe. He explained that he was unable to submit these texts, which were sent to and from the disputed number, as he had not backed them up after multiple phone swaps.
During the Conservative Party conference in Manchester, Sunak declined to provide any details regarding the leaked phone number, citing the ongoing legal proceedings of the COVID probe. Instead, he focused on his participation in the probe and highlighted the importance of the lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic.
This recent security breach serves as a reminder of the digital challenges and privacy issues that top public leaders and elected authorities face. In 2021, a contact number for Boris Johnson was revealed at the end of a press release during his time as a shadow minister for higher education in 2006. Multiple concerns were raised about the exposure and security risks of Johnson’s contact number.
In a separate update, PM Rishi Sunak expressed the UK’s stance on the ongoing Israel-Hamas War on X (formerly Twitter). He emphasized the United Kingdom’s commitment to supporting a return to peace and stability in the Middle East.
To protect national security, Number 10 Downing Street has refused to comment on the leak. However, it is evident that stronger digital security measures need to be implemented to safeguard the personal information of top government leaders.