Metropolitan Police Release Full 999 Transcript in McSweeney Phone Theft Case
In a highly unusual move, the Metropolitan Police have publicly released the complete transcript of a 999 emergency call made by Morgan McSweeney, the former chief of staff to the Prime Minister, after his government-issued phone was snatched in central London. The transcript reveals that McSweeney did not disclose his high-ranking position at No 10 during the call, instead referring to the device merely as a "government phone." This omission has sparked scrutiny amid ongoing political controversies.
Police Admit Address Error and Reopen Investigation
The Met has acknowledged a significant error in their initial handling of the case, admitting that the wrong address was recorded for the theft. Instead of Belgrave Road in Westminster, where the incident actually occurred, the call handler incorrectly logged it as Belgrave Road in Tower Hamlets. This mistake led police to review CCTV footage from the wrong location, which failed to yield any viable leads, resulting in the investigation being closed prematurely. Following media inquiries, the force has now amended the report and is revisiting the assessment for available evidence, effectively reopening the probe.
According to the transcript, McSweeney reported the theft just minutes after it happened, stating he attempted to follow the thief several blocks north but was advised by the call handler not to take further risks. He emphasized the urgency of filing a crime reference report immediately. The Met confirmed that two follow-up attempts were made to contact McSweeney during office hours, but he did not answer, and no further action was taken at the time.
Context of Public Scrutiny and Political Fallout
McSweeney's phone records have become a focal point of public scrutiny due to his correspondence with former US ambassador Peter Mandelson, who was dismissed over revelations about his friendship with the late child sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. A Conservative motion passed in the Commons obliges the government to disclose all such correspondence, adding pressure to the situation. McSweeney resigned from his No 10 role in February amid controversies related to Mandelson's appointment.
In response to the theft, No 10 stated that the stolen device was immediately shut down, and McSweeney was issued a new phone with the same number the following day. The upcoming release of the second tranche of the Mandelson files, expected after Easter, is anticipated to include informal communications such as WhatsApp messages from aides and ministers. This has led to speculation about potential further resignations, with the Prime Minister reportedly bracing for the contents.
The Met spokesperson elaborated on the case, noting that the report was initially filed by a man in his 40s and recorded incorrectly. The review of CCTV in the mistaken location did not identify any realistic lines of inquiry, but the error has now prompted a reassessment. This incident highlights broader issues in police procedures and the intersection of personal security with political transparency in the UK.
