Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer described as “a little bit far-fetched” the suggestion that the theft of Morgan McSweeney’s government-issued phone was connected to the release of files regarding Lord Peter Mandelson. The phone, reported stolen on October 20, 2025, contained messages between McSweeney, Starmer’s former chief of staff, and Mandelson, the sacked ambassador to the US.
Police Confirm Phone Theft and Reporting
Starmer confirmed that the phone theft was reported to the police at the time of the incident. He said there is a transcript of McSweeney identifying himself and providing phone details to law enforcement. The Prime Minister emphasized that thefts like this occur and that police have verified the report.
Defence Secretary John Healey also stated that McSweeney followed proper protocols by immediately reporting the stolen device to the police, dismissing suggestions of any impropriety related to the matter.
Context of Phone Theft and Parliamentary Inquiry
The phone was stolen roughly a month after Mandelson’s dismissal following revelations about his links to Jeffrey Epstein. Parliament mandated the government to release all communications concerning Mandelson’s appointment and tenure, highlighting the significance of the missing phone data.
Some politicians, including Labour MP Karl Turner, have expressed skepticism about the theft, noting that McSweeney’s police report did not mention his role as chief of staff, which could have affected the police prioritization. However, no official evidence has emerged disputing the phone’s theft.
Starmer’s Comments During Finland Visit
Starmer made the remarks while visiting Finland for the Joint Expeditionary Force military summit. Alongside addressing the phone theft, he focused on UK discussions with allies regarding the ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and Iran, stating the necessity to engage on multiple fronts.
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