UK: Tory MP Admits Giving Colleagues' Numbers to Blackmailers

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Facts

  • William Wragg, a senior Conservative member of parliament (MP), has admitted to a UK newspaper that he shared the contact details of his colleagues to someone he met online, accepting his role in a suspected 'honeytrap' scandal.1
  • Wragg told The Times that he leaked the phone numbers of fellow MPs to a Grindr dating app user he previously shared intimate photos with, adding he feared the man had 'compromising things' on him.1
  • At least 12 men in Westminster, including several MPs, have been sent unsolicited messages from people who identify themselves as 'Abi' or 'Charlie,' allegedly as part of a coordinated plot to obtain potentially compromising information.2
  • Among the MPs who were sent lewd images, two reportedly replied by sending intimate photos of themselves. The Conservatives' whips office has declined to comment on the scandal, while Leicestershire police investigate one of the reported cases.3
  • Wragg said that 'Charlie' would incessantly contact him and falsely tell his targets that he worked for the Tory MP. The 36-year-old apologized for his 'weakness,' stating he was 'mortified' by the situation.4
  • According to Treasury Minister Gareth Davies, Wragg had 'rightly apologised [sic]' and would maintain the party whip while the party investigates his role.5

Sources: 1Independent (a), 2POLITICO, 3BBC News, 4Times and 5Independent (b).

Narratives

  • Narrative A, as provided by The Critic Magazine. Wragg must either resign or be removed from office immediately for exposing British officials to a coordinated blackmailing operation. By allowing Wragg to keep his position, the Tories are showing callous disregard for the security and sanctity of the institution. Wragg may not have instigated the attack, but he is certainly not a courageous figure.
  • Narrative B, as provided by Sky News. This situation is unfortunate, but Wragg was also a victim. MPs are allowed personal lives, and this is a cautionary tale of modern dating and communication. Instead of hiding information, Wragg admitted to his mistakes and courageously apologized. This episode should serve as a wake-up call for all governmental official to remain on alert for potential schemes.

Predictions