The loss of the ex-top aide’s phone means important messages relating to Lord Peter Mandelson’s appointment as US ambassador will not be revealed

The error will now be amended and the force will reassess whether there is available evidence, police said

His former chief of staff Morgan McSweeney’s phone was stolen last year

Communications between ministers and Mandelson are set to be published by officials

Concerns that exchanges about US ambassador appointment may have been lost after theft of McSweeney’s phone

The loss of the ex-top aide’s phone means important messages relating to Lord Peter Mandelson’s appointment as US ambassador will not be revealed