Alleged Theft of Ex-Starmer Aide's Phone Raises Cover-Up Concerns

Labour government faces accusations over lost communications with disgraced ex-U.S. Ambassador Peter Mandelson

Mar. 24, 2026 at 10:04am

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The Labour Party government in Britain is facing accusations of a 'cover-up' after it was revealed that Prime Minister Starmer's former chief of staff, Morgan McSweeney, allegedly had his phone stolen, potentially preventing Parliament from accessing his communications with disgraced ex-U.S. Ambassador Peter Mandelson. The Conservative Party has accused the government of trying to suppress evidence related to Mandelson's appointment, given his continued relationship with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

Why it matters

The alleged theft of McSweeney's phone raises questions about the transparency of the Labour government and its handling of the controversy surrounding Mandelson's appointment as U.S. ambassador, given his ties to Epstein. The scandal has the potential to further damage the credibility of the Starmer administration.

The details

A motion introduced by Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch last month forced the government to release all communications and details relating to the appointment of former Tony Blair spin doctor Peter Mandelson to the top diplomatic post in Washington. However, it appears that some of the key evidence will not be made public, as McSweeney reported to police last year that his personal phone had been stolen. Conservative Shadow Cabinet Minister Alex Burghart has accused the government of a 'cover-up', stating that the 'whole thing stinks'.

  • In March 2026, Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch introduced a motion forcing the government to release communications related to Mandelson's appointment.
  • Last year, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer's former chief of staff and top strategist, Morgan McSweeney, reported to police that his personal phone had been stolen.

The players

Kemi Badenoch

Conservative Party leader who introduced a motion forcing the government to release communications related to Mandelson's appointment.

Morgan McSweeney

Former chief of staff and top strategist to Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, who reported his personal phone had been stolen.

Peter Mandelson

Disgraced former U.S. ambassador who had continued his relationship with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

Sir Keir Starmer

Prime Minister of the United Kingdom and leader of the Labour Party.

Alex Burghart

Conservative Shadow Cabinet Minister who accused the government of a 'cover-up' over the alleged theft of McSweeney's phone.

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What they’re saying

“We had to drag the Mandelson files out of Keir Starmer, and now we find the phone of his former Chief of Staff and protégé of Mandelson won't be part of the disclosure. The whole thing stinks of a cover-up.”

— Alex Burghart, Conservative Shadow Cabinet Minister

What’s next

The government has stated it is committed to complying with the Humble Address in full, while continuing to support the Metropolitan Police with their investigation. Further government files concerning Mandelson's appointment as ambassador are set to be released next month.

The takeaway

The alleged theft of McSweeney's phone containing communications with Mandelson has raised serious concerns about the transparency and accountability of the Labour government. The scandal has the potential to further undermine public trust in the Starmer administration's handling of the controversial Mandelson appointment.