A man has been arrested on suspicion of trying to sell Morgan McSweeney’s phone after it was stolen.
Mr McSweeney, former chief of staff to Sir Keir Starmer, reported that his government device had been stolen on 20 October last year. The theft became national news amid concerns that key exchanges relating to Lord Peter Mandelson’s appointment as British ambassador to the US could be lost as a result of it.
Metropolitan Police said they arrested a 28-year-old man on suspicion of handling stolen goods as part of the investigation into the theft of a mobile phone in Belgrave Road, Pimlico.
A spokesperson said: “Officers investigating the theft of a mobile phone in Belgrave Road, Pimlico on 20 October 2025 have arrested a 28-year-old man on suspicion of handling stolen goods.
“The arrest took place on Wednesday, 29 April at an address in Peckham. The man was taken into police custody and later bailed.
“He is suspected of receiving the phone after it was stolen and then selling it on. He is not suspected of any involvement in the original theft.
“The phone has not been recovered.”
Scotland Yard took the man into police custody last Wednesday and he was later bailed. He is not suspected of involvement in the original theft last year, the force added.
This is a breaking news story. More to follow.