Metropolitan Police to Reassess Investigation into Stolen Phone of Former Chief of Staff
The Metropolitan Police have announced they are revisiting a previously closed investigation into the theft of a mobile phone belonging to Morgan McSweeney, the former chief of staff to Prime Minister Keir Starmer. This decision comes after the force admitted to recording an incorrect address when McSweeney initially reported the crime last October.
Details of the Theft and Initial Police Response
According to reports from The Times, McSweeney informed police that his phone was stolen in central London on October 20th of last year while he was returning home from a restaurant. The device is believed to contain sensitive WhatsApp messages related to the appointment of Peter Mandelson as British ambassador to the United States.
Initially, the Metropolitan Police stated they were "too busy" to investigate the theft directly, despite the potential security implications of losing a device containing government communications. McSweeney was given a crime reference number, and the case was closed without further action.
Address Error Leads to Case Review
On Tuesday evening, the police force revealed that during a response to a media inquiry, they discovered an administrative error. The address recorded at the time of the initial report was listed as Belgrave Street in E1, when it should have been noted as Belgrave Road in Pimlico, Westminster.
A Met spokesperson stated: "Having identified this error, the report will be amended and the assessment of whether there is available evidence revisited." This means investigators will now reconsider whether CCTV footage or other evidence might exist that could help locate the stolen device.
Context of the Mandelson Files and Political Implications
The timing of this theft is particularly significant as thousands of documents from the second tranche of the Mandelson files are expected to be released after Easter. These files are anticipated to include informal communications such as WhatsApp messages alongside more formal correspondence.
McSweeney resigned from his position as the prime minister's chief of staff in February over his involvement in Mandelson's controversial appointment as ambassador. The release of these communications has led to speculation that Prime Minister Starmer may face further resignations from aides and ministers once the messages become public.
Broader Investigation into Government Communications
All senior ministers, civil servants, and special advisers have been asked to submit their phone messages for examination as part of the Mandelson files investigation. This includes individuals no longer in government such as:
- Morgan McSweeney
- Former communications director Matthew Doyle
- Former deputy prime minister Angela Rayner
The theft of McSweeney's work phone means his WhatsApp messages and texts to Mandelson cannot be examined, potentially creating a gap in the official record of communications surrounding the ambassador appointment.
Background on Peter Mandelson's Legal Situation
Peter Mandelson was sacked as US ambassador in September, just nine months into his role, after new details emerged about his connections to Jeffrey Epstein. The former Labour peer was arrested in February on suspicion of misconduct in public office after emails from the US Department of Justice's Epstein files appeared to show he forwarded confidential information to Epstein while serving as business secretary under Gordon Brown.
Mandelson has since been released from bail conditions while remaining under investigation and denies any wrongdoing. His legal representatives have indicated he does not intend to make any further statements at this time.
Circumstances of the Theft
The State of It, The Times' political podcast, reported additional details about the theft. McSweeney told police that a man wearing a balaclava on an electric bike snatched the phone from his hand as he was responding to text messages. The thief then cycled away, with McSweeney giving chase but unable to keep up with the electric bike.
Following the theft, McSweeney reported the incident to Number 10, the device was shut off remotely, and he was issued a new phone with the same number the following day.
The Metropolitan Police's decision to reassess this case highlights ongoing concerns about the security of government communications and the thoroughness of police investigations into crimes that may have political implications.
