Former PM Liz Truss had phone hacked by Putin’s spies searching for secrets

2022-10-29

Former PM Liz Truss had her personal phone hacked by Russian spies during the Tory leadership campaign, according to sources.

Hackers were allegedly successful in gaining information useful to Russian president Vladimir Putin.

The information included insight into Ukraine ’s war efforts, including details of arms shipments and the UK’s negotiations with foreign ministers from international allies.

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The breach also gained access to conversations between Truss and ex-Chancellor Kwasi Kwarteng, including their criticisms of Boris Johnson.

According to sources, up to a year’s worth of messages were downloaded, prompting fears that the UK has been made vulnerable to blackmail.

In response, the phone was locked in a secure government location and Truss was given a new number upon entering No. 10.

The incident took place while Truss was still operating as Foreign Minister for the UK.

At the time Prime Minister Boris Johnson and Cabinet Secretary Simon Case ordered an entire news block out to prevent the story from becoming public.

Sources also said that Truss had struggled to sleep from the anxiety caused by the security incident, with fears that, if public, the news would derail her leadership bid.

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This is not the first security incident incurred by a member of parliament.

UK Home Secretary Suella Braverman was forced to resign by Truss after sending an official document from a personal email, raising eyebrows within the party over Truss’ harsh actions.

Earlier this year, UK politician’s phone numbers were also found to be being sold on a website charging £6.45 for access to information.

Among the politicians were 25 cabinet ministers including Kwarteng, Defence Secretary Ben Wallace, and Foreign Secretary James Cleverly as well as Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer.

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Spy software uses phone numbers to access a target phone by sending a corrupted text message.

The spy software gains access to everything on the device but remains undetected to the user, even if the initial text message is never opened.

In a statement to the Mail on Sunday, a UK Government spokesperson said: “We do not comment on an individuals’ security arrangements. The Government has robust systems in place to protect against cyber threats. That includes regular security briefings with ministers and advice on protecting personal data and mitigating cyber threats.”

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