There is a framed notice in the hallway of 10 Downing Street. It carries the message: “Please remember. You may be photographed. Please cover any documents you may be holding.”
It is not a warning always heeded – as many prime ministers have come to rue. The latest victim was Rishi Sunak, whose government was left scrabbling after a secret document suggesting phase 2 of HS2 was in danger of being scrapped was photographed under the arm of a government official.