Starmer says it is ‘far-fetched’ to suggest McSweeney phone theft linked to Mandelson files
Sign up for the View from Westminster email for expert analysis straight to your inboxGet our free View from Westminster emailGet our free View from Westminster emailSir Keir Starmer has said it is “a little bit far-fetched” to suggest the theft of his former chief of staff Morgan McSweeney’s phone was linked to the release of files relating to Lord Peter Mandelson’s appointment as British ambassador to the US. Concerns have been raised that the phone snatching, which occurred in London in October 2025, could result in the loss of important messages between the pair. Speaking to broadcasters in Helsinki, the prime minister insisted the phone had been stolen and brushed off suggestions the claim was an attempt to obfuscate.Sir Keir said: “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.“Unfortunately, there are thefts like this. It was stolen. It was reported at the time, the police have acknowledged and confirmed that … and the idea that somehow everybody could have seen that some time in the future there’d be a request over the phone is, to my mind, a little bit far-fetched.”Mr McSweeney, who is said to have pushed for the former Labour peer’s appointment as US ambassador, resigned as Sir Keir’s chief of staff earlier this year over his role in the decision.More to follow...
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