Jason Leitch WhatsApp messages: FOI release

Information requested

1. Correspondence on the topic of how to respond to a media enquiry from The Times newspaper about Jason Leitch deleting his WhatsApp messages each day and any resulting follow-up enquiry by other journalists or publications. This should include, but not be limited to, discussions between civil servants, special advisers, ministers, and Professor Leitch himself. The dates should cover October 15, 2023 to October 31, 2023.
2. Specifically, details of any involvement of special advisers in responding.

Response

I enclose a copy of some of the information you requested in the format you asked for. While our aim is to provide information wherever possible, in this instance we were unable to provide some of the information you requested because of exemptions under Section 30 of FOISA (prejudice to effective conduct of public affairs) and Section 38 (1) (b) (personal information); Section 36 (1) legal advice; and Section 30 (c) substantial prejudice to effective conduct of public affairs in relation to the source of legal advice.

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FOI 202400394859 - Information Released- Supplementary information

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