‘Far-fetched’ to suggest McSweeney phone theft linked to Mandelson files, says Keir Starmer

Keir Starmer insisted the phone had been stolen

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer holds a meeting in Downing Street, London (Toby Melville/PA).

UK Prime Minister 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 in any way linked to the release of files on Peter Mandelson.

There are concerns exchanges relating to Mr Mandelson’s appointment as British ambassador to the US could be lost as a result of the snatching of the mobile phone in London in October 2025.