McSweeney phone theft linked to Mandelson scandal

Morgan McSweeney, the former chief of staff to Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, had his phone stolen on October 20, 2024, according to multiple reports. The theft occurred months before MPs forced the government to release documents related to the appointment of Lord Mandelson as US ambassador, a role Mandelson began in February 2025 but was sacked from in September after new information emerged. McSweeney did not disclose he was the prime minister's chief of staff when reporting the theft, major media sources reported. He resigned as chief of staff in February 2025 over his role in Mandelson's appointment, according to six major media outlets.

The Metropolitan Police initially recorded the wrong address for the theft, leading to a closed investigation, the force confirmed. The Met is now revisiting the investigation and reviewing CCTV, the Metropolitan Police said. A transcript of the 999 call shows McSweeney called at around 10:30pm to report that a young man on a pedal bike had snatched his phone, according to the Metropolitan Police. The phone was taken as McSweeney returned home from a restaurant in Pimlico, central London, research from two sources indicates. The Met Police examined evidence from the wrong address, mistaking Belgrave Road in Pimlico for Belgrave Street in Tower Hamlets, the Metropolitan Police said. McSweeney himself gave the wrong address when reporting the theft, saying 'Belgrave Street in Westminster,' according to the Metropolitan Police. The police released the full transcript of the 999 call, the Metropolitan Police confirmed.

The phone was not backed up, leading to loss of correspondence, according to five major media sources. The Cabinet Office holds some messages between McSweeney and Mandelson, it is understood, as reported by BBC News. Files released on Wednesday show the PM was warned the appointment posed a 'reputational risk,' according to research from two sources. A due diligence document sent to the PM on 11 December 2024 raised issues including Epstein's close relationship with Mandelson, research from two sources indicates. The initial batch of documents does not include follow-up questions sent to Lord Mandelson about his relationship with Epstein, according to research from two sources. The loss of messages has sparked a dispute: some, like Health Secretary Wes Streeting, described it as a 'cock-up rather than conspiracy,' while Tory MP Alex Burghart said 'It stinks to high heaven.' The timing of the theft is also contested: Housing Secretary Steve Reed said the theft 'was reported months before the whole Mandelson situation even began,' but SNP MP Stephen Flynn countered that 'Reed is lying about the timing of the theft.'

Downing Street denied claims of a 'cover-up' in the release of documents relating to the appointment, the Prime Minister's official spokesman said. Sir Keir Starmer said he 'made a mistake' in making Lord Mandelson US ambassador and apologized to Epstein's victims for appointing him, according to Starmer himself. Sir Keir cited the ongoing Metropolitan Police investigation as the reason for not releasing further information, he stated. Health Secretary Wes Streeting said 'Questions should be asked about why the Met did not pursue an investigation,' while Minister Bridget Phillipson said questions about the theft are drifting into 'conspiracy theory territory.' Minister Al Carns said he would 'chase down' anyone who stole his phone.

Lord Mandelson began the ambassadorial role in February 2025 but was sacked in September after new information emerged, according to research from two sources. The specific new information that led to his sacking has not been disclosed. The controversy has raised broader concerns about police handling of phone thefts: fewer than 1% of mobile phone thefts result in a charge, according to a freedom of information request. The Metropolitan Police investigation is ongoing, and it remains unclear whether any charges will be brought or data recovered. The loss of messages and the disputed timing of the theft continue to fuel political debate, with opposition figures calling for a full inquiry.