British opposition parties are calling for an independent investigation into the alleged hacking of ex-PM Truss’ home phone. The Mail on Sunday reports that suspected Russian hackers were able to read her mobile phone.

According to the newspaper, the hack was discovered last summer when Truss was still Secretary of State in the Johnson administration and running for the Conservative leadership. The news was not released at the time, by order of Prime Minister Johnson and his top official. “Obviously it’s a bad turn for the intelligence community when the Secretary of State’s phone can be emptied so easily,” a source said.

Sources tell the newspaper that the hackers got their hands on all the news for the past 12 months. This also included top-secret talks with other key foreign ministers about the war in Ukraine and arms supplies in particular.

Internet security

A UK government spokesman declined to comment on “security measures related to individuals”, saying broadly that the British had a robust system in place to protect the government against cyberattacks.

But the opposition parties Labor and Liberal Democrats are not satisfied with that. “All the alarm bells are ringing when it comes to our national security,” said a Labor politician. She also wants to find out how it is possible that a minister used a private phone for business calls.

She also finds it remarkable that the news is now getting out. “If it turns out that this information was withheld so as not to jeopardize Truss’ chances, then that is inexcusable,” said a Liberal Democrat MP.

Liz Truss resigned last week after just 45 days in office. From the moment she took office, she came under fire for what many saw as irresponsible financial plans. Her successor was Rishi Sunak last Tuesday.