Met to reinvestigate snatched mobile after admitting address mistake and mishandling of evidence
Metropolitan police are reopening their investigation into the theft of Morgan McSweeney's phone following an admission that officers made a significant error in locating her home due to incorrect addressing details, which led them initially not to pursue what they later identified as snatching rather than burglary concerns.
Key Points
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1The Met Police have admitted a major error and are reopening an investigation into Morgan McSweeney's reported theft of mobile phones.
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2Police officers failed to properly investigate the initial report because they believed there was no available evidence, citing confusion over addresses as part of their blunder.
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3A Cabinet minister has described Starmer's former chief of staff losing messages with Lord Peter Mandelson on a stolen phone as 'a cock-up'.
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4Health Secretary Wes Streeting is questioning why the Metropolitan Police did not pursue an investigation into McSweeney reporting his device snatched.
Developments
The Metropolitan Police have released an unusual 999 call transcript regarding Sir Keir Starmer's former chief, Morgan McSweeney, reporting the theft of his "Government" mobile phone in October. The case was initially mishandled due to a location error and lack of awareness about its sensitivity until it became subject to media inquiry; Health Secretary Wes Streeting has characterized any resulting data loss as an operational failure rather than evidence of conspiracy.
Health Secretary Wes Streeting is questioning why the Metropolitan Police closed an investigation into Morgan McSweeney's stolen smartphone, which may contain sensitive messages regarding Lord Mandelson. While acknowledging a "cock-up rather than conspiracy," he noted it was surprising that no inquiry occurred given his role as senior government official and potential links to documents ordered for public release by MPs last month.