Starmer: 'Far-fetched' to link McSweeney phone theft to Mandelson files

Sir Keir Starmer has said it is “a little bit far-fetched” to suggest the theft of Morgan McSweeney’s phone was linked to the release of files relating to Lord Mandelson.

The government is facing questions after it emerged that the PM's former chief of staff's phone was stolen, leading to the likely loss of his messages with the sacked ambassador to the US. The government-issued device was reported stolen after Mandelson's firing, but before parliament forced the government to publish all papers and communications relating to his appointment and time in office.

Politics latest - follow live Asked whether the phone's disappearance is part of a "cover-up.