A few days later, on October 20, Mr McSweeney, then No 10 chief of staff, reported that his official iPhone had been snatched in London. After Mr McSweeney reported the incident to Downing Street the device was wiped remotely. Now The Mail on Sunday has established Mr McSweeney also possessed two private phones: one was deactivated earlier this year, while the other one is still in service. Mr McSweeney also failed to tell the police that he worked at No 10, meaning the Yard did not realise that the device could contain sensitive material and contacts. Mr McSweeney resigned last month over his role in the decision to appoint Lord Mandelson as the British Government’s representative in Washington.

Source: Daily Mail March 29, 2026 06:58 UTC