05 April 2024 , 14:55
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The senior Tory MP William Wragg’s comments came amid reports people in Parliament, including male MPs, were targeted with personalised messages and naked photos
Tory MP William Wragg has admitted sending colleagues’ phone numbers to someone he met on a dating app after reports of a "honeytrap" scandal.
The senior MP’s comments came amid claims people in Parliament, including male MPs, were targeted with unsolicited messages and naked photos. According to The Times, Mr Wragg said he handed over personal phone numbers of colleagues to a man he had spoken to on the gay dating app, Grindr.
He said: “They had compromising things on me. They wouldn’t leave me alone. They would ask for people. I gave them some numbers, not all of them. I told him to stop. He’s manipulated me and now I’ve hurt other people.
“I got chatting to a guy on an app and we exchanged pictures. We were meant to meet up for drinks, but then didn’t. Then he started asking for numbers of people. I was worried because he had stuff on me. He gave me a WhatsApp number, which doesn’t work now."
Mr Wragg, who has previously said he will step down as an MP at the next general election, added: "I’ve hurt people by being weak. I was scared. I’m mortified. I’m so sorry that my weakness has caused other people hurt".
The MP - who is also vice-chairman of the Tories’ 1922 Committee of backbench MPs - made the comments after being approached by The Times. The Mirror has contacted Mr Wragg for comment.
The Politico website reported on Wednesday men working in Westminster were sent unsolicited messages from two mobile numbers by users referring to themselves as "Abi" or "Charlie". One expert told the website they believed the messages were part of a "spear phishing attack" that targets specific individuals.
A Parliamentary spokesman earlier said: “Parliament takes security extremely seriously and works closely with government in response to such incidents.
"We provide members and staff with tailored advice, making them aware of security risks and how to manage their digital safety. We are encouraging anyone affected who has concerns to contact the Parliamentary Security Department.”