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WhatsApp Group Mix-Up Involves Westminster Insiders Amid Marathon Fundraising
In an unexpected turn of events, a WhatsApp group created by Shadow Justice Secretary Robert Jenrick to discuss his participation in the London Marathon was rapidly populated and subsequently purged of numerous Westminster figures. This incident has sparked a mix of laughter and scrutiny among political circles.
Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch chimed in on the situation, disclosing that she, too, had briefly found herself in the group alongside prominent journalists, former cabinet ministers, and other Conservative MPs. Despite the blunder, Badenoch took the situation lightly, joking about her short-lived membership.
The BBC has confirmed that Jenrick does not plan to refer the matter to the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO), which is charged with investigating data breaches. A source indicated that since the contacts had been added for “personal purposes,” the risk of any malicious intent was deemed minimal, hence no need for ICO involvement.
Jenrick had intended to send out messages individually to raise funds for his marathon run, but a ‘technical mix-up’ resulted in a mass group chat instead. Sources confirm all individuals, including notable figures such as former cabinet ministers Michael Gove and Therese Coffey, have since been removed from the chat, which has now been deleted.
When questioned about her involvement in the chat group, Badenoch responded with humor, acknowledging her temporary inclusion. “I think he’s running a marathon,” she said, adding that she still didn’t fully grasp what had transpired regarding the WhatsApp group.
According to the BBC, Jenrick’s aim was solely to gather support and donations for SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity, through personal messages. In a public post on X, Zia Yusuf, chairman of Reform UK, remarked that it seemed Jenrick had inadvertently added a large number of contacts to the chat. “He’s now spending his morning deleting hundreds of them,” Yusuf noted in his post.
Responding to these comments, Jenrick lightheartedly retorted, “Feeling left out again, Zia?” His comments further confirmed that his intention with the group was to rally support for his charitable cause.
Officials from the Conservative Party addressed the incident, clarifying that it was a personal endeavor for Jenrick as he prepares for the marathon. The party’s data protection officer, Andy Steadman, was consulted and determined that the situation did not constitute a party concern.
In the group chat, screenshots revealed that some members were already rallying around Jenrick, with one message stating, “RJ for PM.” This prompted questions over whether Jenrick could pose a potential challenge to Badenoch, especially since he previously ran against her for the party leadership. She confidently asserted her focus was on uniting the Conservative Party, stressing the importance of local elections.
“I have a great team, and I’m leading a team that is uniting the Conservative Party,” Badenoch stated, emphasizing that voting Conservative in the upcoming local elections remains the most viable option for constituents.
Source
www.bbc.com