The government has pushed back against mounting scrutiny over the theft of Morgan McSweeney’s phone, with a senior minister dismissing aspects of the debate as veering into “conspiracy theory territory”.
Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson defended the former chief of staff to Prime Minister Keir Starmer as questions continue to swirl over missing communications linked to Peter Mandelson’s appointment as ambassador to Washington.
McSweeney reported to the Metropolitan Police on 20 October last year that his iPhone had been snatched from his hand in Westminster. A transcript later released by police revealed that he did not identify himself during the call or explain that the device contained highly sensitive information.
He also provided an incorrect street name when describing where the incident occurred, adding to the confusion surrounding the episode.
Morgan McSweeney Phone Theft Raises Questions Over Missing Messages
The disappearance of the phone has meant that any potential exchanges between McSweeney and Mandelson cannot be accessed. This has fuelled speculation in Westminster, particularly given the timing of Mandelson’s appointment and ongoing controversy surrounding his links to the late paedophile Jeffrey Epstein.
During an interview on Sky News, presenter Trevor Phillips questioned why McSweeney’s messages were not recoverable through cloud backups.
“Why is Morgan McSweeney the only person in the modern world who doesn’t have his messages automatically backed up to the cloud so we could recover them and see what traffic there was between him and our former ambassador to the United States?” Phillips asked.
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Phillipson dismissed the suggestion, replying: “The question was a bit of a reach. It’s hyperbole and you know it.”
Phillips maintained that his question was “perfectly straightforward” and pressed the minister on whether she backs up her own messages.
“I follow all of the guidance on what is required,” Phillipson said.
Bridget Phillipson Rejects Claims As ‘Hyperbole’ Amid Government Pressure
The minister reiterated that McSweeney had acted appropriately following the incident.
“What happened here, which we all know, is that Morgan McSweeney was mugged, reported that to the police, followed all of the processes that was asked of him,” she said. “I do think some of this wider coverage is drifting into conspiracy theory territory here.”
Phillips clarified that he was not disputing the theft itself, but questioned why the communications appeared unrecoverable.
“Again, that’s hyperbole and you know it,” Phillipson responded. “Come on, to say he’s the ‘only person’ – it’s ridiculous and you know that.”
She added that McSweeney is cooperating with requests for information, while the government is complying with parliamentary procedures.
“He is providing any material required, while the government is complying with the humble address, providing information that isn’t needed, has been asked,” Phillipson said. “All ministers will also be complying with what is asked of us.”
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