Conservative MPs are reportedly plotting the end of Theresa May's premiership via the very communication method she has campaigned against for so long - encrypted WhatsApp messages. <\/p>\n
It's almost as beautiful as calling a snap election, after repeatedly promising you wouldn't, to \"strengthen your mandate,\" only to end up with a minority government forced into discussions with the DUP. <\/p>\n
According to reports in theWashington Post, some Conservative MPs are now using WhatsApp to discuss who they could replace her with: <\/p>\n
Former minister Ed Vaizey told theBBCthat he supports May staying on, but that Tories were discussing possible replacements. <\/p>\n
Asked whether members were calling one another to plot May's ouster this weekend, he denied it. <\/p>\n
'That's so 20th century,' he said. 'It's all on WhatsApp.' <\/p>\n
As part of her campaign Maypledged wide-ranging internet regulation planswhich could force internet companies to let intelligence services read private communications. <\/p>\n
The manifesto read: <\/p>\n
Some people say it is not for government to regulate when it comes to technology and the internet. We disagree. <\/p>\n
The Tories demand that social media companies - like WhatsApp, for example - remove privacy features in order to 'better combat terrorism', as opposed to not cutting police numbers. <\/p>\n
The Investigatory Powers act, commonly known as the 'Snooper's Charter', came into lawin December granting security services some of the widest-ranging spying powers in the world and permitting authorities to read browsing records. <\/p>\n
The Prime Minister's plans to regulate the internet and encryption werecriticised as \"making life easier for terrorists\"by campaign group Open Rights Groups. <\/p>\n
Jim Killock, the campaign group's executive director, said: <\/p>\n
If successful, Theresa May could push these vile networks into even darker corners of the web, where they will be even harder to observe. <\/p>\n
Last December,The Telegraphreportedthat Conservative Brexiteers operated within aWhatsApp group of more than 40 members, apparently to agree'lines to take' in public appearances. <\/p>\n
Steve Baker, a Tory MP and group admin said at the time: <\/p>\n
That requires instant communication, which is what we use the WhatsApp group for... It is extremely effective. <\/p>\n<\/p>\n
More:How the UK passed the most invasive surveillance law in democratic history and what we can do about it <\/p>\n
More:Map: Did your MP vote for the controversial Snoopers' Charter? <\/p>\n
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