William Wragg has admitted to giving out the personal phone numbers of several MPs to a man he met on a gay dating app. He said he felt compromised and unsafe, having sent pictures to the man.
Stockport Based MP Admits Guilt
The MP for Hazel Grove (an area in southern Stockport) admitted that he met the man online. Although he told him he was in a relationship, they exchanged flirty messages and images.
Wragg Felt Compromised
He said “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.”
Contact Wanted Numbers of Other MPs
“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. 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.”
Several MPs Have Been Contacted
There are reports by police that up to 12 senior government officials have been contacted. Apparently several have received unsolicited texts, and in some cases, naked pictures.
Suspected Honeytrap Scam
The incident is being investigated as a ‘honeytrap’ scam, where victims are lured into a compromising sexual position, then blackmailed as a result.
‘Familiarity’ Reason Wragg Let His Guard Down
Wragg said the messages started as flirty and conversational. The sender of the messages claimed to remember him from time working together at Westminster. They had a familiar tone.
Honeytrap Realization Came From Reading An Article
Wragg said he realized what had happened when he read an article about an attempted honeytrap on a political website. He said, “My heart did start racing because I thought everything you’re saying from the start, from the name of the individual, the familiarity, this is too close to be just a coincidence.”
Scam Was Co-ordinated and Widespread
Since the news broke, another 12 MPs have come forward to say that they had received almost identical messages. The attack is almost certainly a coordinated attempt to blackmail many MPs.
Wragg Announced Intention to Step Down in 2022
Although still serving as an MP, Wragg said in 2022 he won’t fight another election. He said “It is a privilege to be the Member of Parliament for Hazel Grove. I have made the decision not to stand at the next election. I shall continue to represent constituents to the best of my ability in the meantime and thank everyone for their wonderful support over the years.”
Incident Will Do Nothing to Change His Mind
Wragg has previously suffered from depression, and the relentlessness of life in the spotlight has taken its toll on his mental health. Incidents like this one are likely to further cement his decision to step back from public life.
Government Have Had Their Say
A Parliamentary spokesperson 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.”
Incident Embarrassing to Tories
Although sexual scandal is nothing new in politics, the timing of the incident isn’t exactly ideal. At some point there will be a general election, and the Tories could do without these kind of incidents blotting their copybook.
Wragg Vice-Chair of the 1922 Committee
The 1922 committee is a group of influential backbench Tory MPs. The group represents the thoughts and feelings of the back benches of the party to the front benches. They hold an important place in the party.
Status in the Party Makes Incident More Shocking
Social media commentary around the incident suggests that such a senior and expected MP should have known better than to get involved with unsolicited messages of this nature.
Refreshing Honesty From Wragg
There has also been support for the honesty Wragg has displayed, admitting guilt openly and early. There hasn’t had to be the denials and suggestion of any further wrongdoing. Wragg has stated what has happened, and he has won favor for the refreshing openness.
Incident Will Serve as a Warning
What will likely come of this is a tightening of security, a reminder to MPs to always be on their guard, and a reduction in the amount of attempts on MP blackmailing… until long enough has passed and defenses are dropped again.
Unlikely to do Further Damage
The reality is Wragg is stepping down ahead of the next election, so it’s not going to harm his personal position in politics at all. Whilst he’s a popular MP, he holds a northern seat and his majority was shrinking.
Election Foregone Conclusion
The result of the general election already feels like a foregone conclusion, so it’s unlikely to have a serious impact on the Tories regaining power in the upcoming general election either. It’s just more reputational damage they don’t need.
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The post “Mortified” – Conservative MP Apologies for Sharing Tories Personal Details on Gay Dating App first appeared on Edge Media.
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