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Man arrested for selling Morgan McSweeney's stolen phone
A 28-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of handling stolen goods over a phone stolen from Morgan McSweeney, the prime minister's chief of staff. The case ties into broader questions about the security of government communications and ongoing investigations into Mandelson's appointment.
Why It Matters
The arrest highlights concerns about the handling of a government official's stolen device and potential implications for sensitive communications linked to a high-profile appointment.
Timeline
6 Events
April 29, 2026: Arrest in Peckham on suspicion of handling stolen goods
April 29, 2026
A 28-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of handling stolen goods at an address in Peckham; he is suspected of receiving the stolen phone and selling it on. He was later bailed and is not suspected of involvement in the original theft. The phone has not been recovered.
April 2026: McSweeney's parliamentary committee remarks
April 2026
McSweeney told a parliamentary committee in April 2026 that he had informed Downing Street of the theft immediately after it happened and had shared messages and emails about Mandelson's appointment.
April 2026: Wrong address discovered and evidence reassessed
April 2026
Following the discovery that officers had recorded the wrong address for the theft, the police said they were reassessing the evidence.
March 2026: Police publish transcript of 999 call
March 2026
In March 2026, police published the transcript of McSweeney's 999 call after criticism that the theft had not been properly investigated.
October 2025: Theft of McSweeney's phone in Pimlico
October 2025
The phone belonging to Morgan McSweeney was stolen in Pimlico, London, in October 2025.
September 2025: McSweeney says he shared Mandelson appointment messages
September 2025
McSweeney said that in September 2025, more than a month before his phone was stolen, he shared messages and emails about Lord Mandelson's appointment with Downing Street.