Some messages sent by individuals working in the Welsh government during the COVID-19 pandemic may have been deleted, according to First Minister Mark Drakeford.
He mentioned that he does not use WhatsApp himself and would not know how to automatically delete messages, but he could not guarantee that messages were not lost before the government became aware of what the COVID-19 inquiry requested.
This revelation follows a similar controversy in Scotland regarding the deletion of messages related to the pandemic. WhatsApp messages between UK officials and ministers have been crucial evidence in the COVID-19 inquiry.
A submodule of the COVID-19 inquiry focusing on Wales is set to begin public hearings in February 2024. Opposition parties have expressed concerns about the potential deletion of messages and have called for a comprehensive inquiry into the Welsh government's handling of the pandemic.