A memo written by the prime minister, apparently at Chequers, has been splashed on the front pages of national newspapers, causing acute embarrassment to the government. The memo, sent to a handful of ministers, civil servants and special advisers, on April 29, indicates that there is a mole within Downing Street or, just as worrying, a weakness in the government's computer system that allows hackers to access the prime minister's private documents. As a result, Downing Street security services are rushing to find the source.
Leaks always happen.
Revelations from the heart of government are common and the fine line between leaking and briefing is uncertain. But the prime minister's inner circle is usually immune. Since June, however, there have been three significant leaks. Leaks such as these make life very difficult for those working in Number 10. Like the rest of us, they've come to depend on computers and emails - and it will be hard for Tony Blair to now maintain trust in his personal staff.