Britain’s new prime minister has confirmed he was briefly taken in by someone impersonating Donald Trump’s chief of staff, but insists he’s not embarrassed by the incident.

Andy Burnham said he exchanged a “few messages” with a person he thought was Susie Wiles, Trump’s top aide, before becoming suspicious and reporting the hoax.

Speaking during a visit to Wolverhampton on Tuesday, the prime minister downplayed the incident, saying nothing sensitive was discussed.

“No, I’m not, because there was a minimal exchange. Nothing of consequence, and actually, quickly I realised that this needed to be reported, and I did so,” Burnham told reporters.

“So I handled it in the right way. All politicians are receiving these pressures and these challenges, but I did everything right.”

The hoax was serious enough for the British embassy in Washington to alert the White House, according to two sources cited by Politico, which first reported the story on Monday.

Neither the date of the exchanges nor their specific content has been revealed. Burnham did not say which communication platform was used.

The prime minister took office on 20 July after succeeding former Labour Party leader Keir Starmer.

“The correct action has been taken here and in the US,” Burnham added.

ALSO READ: Andy Burnham becomes new British prime minister after meeting King Charles