Starmer Dismisses 'Far-Fetched' Claims Over Stolen Phone in Mandelson Controversy
Keir Starmer has firmly rejected what he describes as "far-fetched" scepticism surrounding the theft of his former chief of staff's mobile phone, a case that has become entangled in political disputes over Peter Mandelson's appointment as US ambassador. The Prime Minister responded after Kemi Badenoch's spokesperson indicated she had "raised an eyebrow" regarding accounts of the incident, adding fuel to ongoing speculation.
Police Transcript Confirms Theft Report
Downing Street has faced mounting pressure to clarify whether crucial messages between Morgan McSweeney and the former ambassador were lost after it was revealed that the government-issued phone was stolen last year. In a statement, Starmer emphasised that the phone was indeed stolen and reported to the police, with a transcript of the 999 call verifying McSweeney's account. "The phone was stolen. It was reported to the police. There's a transcript of the call in which Morgan McSweeney gives his name, his date of birth, the details of the phone, and the police confirm that it was reported," Starmer stated.
He further argued that the notion of foreseeing future requests for the phone is implausible, saying, "The idea that somehow everybody could have seen that sometime in the future there'd be a request over the phone is, to my mind, a little bit far-fetched."
Political Reactions and Speculation Intensify
The controversy has sparked reactions across the political spectrum. Labour MP Karl Turner, known for clashes with the government over jury trial legislation and criticism of McSweeney's role, publicly expressed disbelief in the theft story on social media. Meanwhile, shadow business secretary Andrew Griffith questioned the circumstances, remarking, "The whole thing is as smelly as a fish market on a hot summer's afternoon," and highlighting paranoia about such devices in government circles.
In February, MPs pushed for the release of tens of thousands of documents amid inquiries into what was known about Mandelson's connections to convicted child sex offender Jeffrey Epstein prior to his ambassadorial appointment. McSweeney, who resigned from Downing Street last month amid blame for advocating the appointment, has faced scrutiny over the phone not being backed up, leading to lost correspondence.
Details of the Theft and Official Responses
According to McSweeney's account, supported by a Metropolitan Police transcript, he was using his government-issued iPhone on a street in Pimlico, central London, just before 10:30 PM on October 20 last year when a young man on a bike snatched it and fled. McSweeney used a personal phone to dial 999, informing the handler it was a "government phone" without disclosing his job, and the call handler did not recognise his name.
Helen MacNamara, a former deputy cabinet secretary, commented on BBC Radio 4's Today programme that McSweeney took appropriate steps, including contacting the government to request a wipe of the phone. However, she noted surprise that Downing Street did not alert police to the phone's significance, suggesting that reluctance to release Mandelson-related documents has fueled paranoia. "It is allowing for a lot of speculation about 'what are they hiding?' ... 'what are they not hiding?'" she said, pointing out gaps in the released paperwork.
As the debate continues, the unusual police release of the 999 call transcript aims to provide clarity, yet scepticism persists in political circles, underscoring tensions over transparency and accountability in government affairs.
