Former UK PM Liz Truss' phone was hacked by Russian agents: Report

Liz Truss, a former British prime minister who served for just 44 days during a severe economic crisis brought on by her tax cuts, had her personal phone hacked while she was the UK's foreign minister, according to a revelation in the Daily Mail on Saturday.

According to the report, the Russian spies had access to top-secret information on talks with foreign allies as well as private messages with Kwasi Kwarteng, a close friend of Truss who eventually held the position of finance minister. While Liz Truss was running for the Conservative Party leadership and winning, the hack was uncovered.

According to the report, the messages are said to have discussed Russia's campaign in Ukraine and included information concerning weaponry supplies.

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Additionally, Liz Truss and Kwarteng also criticised former British Prime Minister Boris Johnson in the mails. According to the report, the texts that ended up in foreign hands raised the possibility of blackmail.

A British government spokesperson declined to comment on "individuals' security arrangements".

"The government has effective defences against online attacks. That involves advising Ministers on securing their personal data and minimising cyber dangers, as well as providing them with regular security briefings," said the spokesperson,

Also Read | Liz Truss resigns amid massive economic crisis, becomes shortest-serving PM in UK history

Liz Truss left a stagnant economy in her wake after holding the unfavourable record of being prime minister for barely 44 days. George Canning previously held the record for the shortest term as prime minister, serving for just 119 days until passing away on August 8, 1827.

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• UK PM
• Liz Truss
• Russia
• Ukraine
• hack