David Cameron recorded a “frank” monthly audio diary throughout his time as prime minister to keep a historical record of his time in office.

Mr Cameron made digital recordings of 53 hours of conversations with his friend Lord Finkelstein, The Times columnist, covering his foreign and domestic encounters and describing his government as it unfolded.

The pair would meet each month in secrecy for about an hour. The encounters would normally take place in the evening in the Downing Street flat, although sometimes they met for lunch.

David Cameron’s highs and lows as PM

They recorded their meetings on MiniDisc, believed to be almost unhackable. Mr Cameron kept the copies, which will form the basis of his memoirs. The pair discussed his actions and his thoughts as events developed. Talks about the