As foreign minister, the personal phone of former British Prime Minister Liz Truss was hacked by suspected spies working for Russian President Vladimir Putin, the Daily Mail claimed on Saturday (Oct 29).

According to the article, these spies acquired access to "top-secret details" of negotiations with international allies as well as private messages between Truss and his close buddy Kwasi Kwarteng, who eventually became finance minister.

It is thought that the messages included discussions with senior international foreign ministers concerning the conflict in Ukraine, as well as information about armament supplies.

Up to a year's worth of messages were downloaded, according to unnamed sources cited by the Mail.

A representative for the British government declined to comment on "individual security procedures."

"There are powerful procedures in place to safeguard the government against cyber assaults. This includes providing Ministers with regular security briefings and guidance on securing their personal data and reducing cyber threats "The representative continued.

The Mail said that the hack was uncovered during the Conservative Party leadership race that led to the election of Ms. Truss as prime minister.

Ms. Truss resigned as prime minister last week and was succeeded by Mr. Rishi Sunak.

The Mail reported that among the messages that leaked into foreign hands were critiques of former prime minister Boris Johnson by Ms. Truss and Mr. Kwarteng, "posing a blackmail risk."