general

McSweeney did not disclose No 10 role in 999 call after phone theft

A Metropolitan police transcript shows ex‑No 10 chief of staff Morgan McSweeney reported a government iPhone stolen without naming his job, while officers recorded the wrong address and have reopened the file after identifying the error.

Mar 25th 2026 · United Kingdom

Insights

  • A released Met transcript shows Morgan McSweeney reported a government iPhone stolen but did not say he was the prime minister's chief of staff.
  • The Met recorded the wrong address, logging the incident in Tower Hamlets instead of Belgrave Road in Pimlico, so CCTV checks were done at the incorrect location.
  • Police made two follow-up attempts during office hours that were not answered and initially closed the investigation after finding no realistic lines of enquiry.
  • Following media inquiries the Met identified the recording error and reopened the report to reassess available evidence.
  • No 10 says the device was shut off immediately and a replacement with the same number was issued the next day.
  • The phone's records are subject to public disclosure because of the Mandelson files and a Commons motion requiring release of government correspondence.