- Morgan McSweeney, Sir Keir Starmer’s former chief of staff, failed to disclose his job or the sensitive nature of his "government phone" when reporting its theft last October.
- He also provided an incorrect address, leading the Metropolitan Police to review the wrong CCTV footage and prematurely close the investigation.
- The police are now reassessing the case after concerns arose that the stolen phone may have contained crucial messages between McSweeney and Lord Mandelson.
- These messages are relevant to a parliamentary inquiry into Lord Mandelson's appointment as British ambassador to the US, particularly regarding his links to Jeffrey Epstein.
- Health Secretary Wes Streeting described the loss of messages as a "cock-up rather than conspiracy," while government guidance on backing up official communications is being scrutinised.
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