QA & Westminster under attack
What’s been happening?
MPs, staffers and journalists – the true number is not known but 12 are understood to have come forward – received flirtatious messages from a stranger in recent weeks.
In most cases, the person turned the conversation sexual, sending explicit images and urging the victim to do the same. Two MPs, who haven’t been identified, have reportedly done so.
What do we know about the perpetrator?
Worryingly little, which is making many in Westminster very anxious. With little known about the motives of this person, speculation has been rife that it could be a blackmail attempt by a hostile power.
Tory MP Bob Seely said it was “crude enough to be the Russians”.
What do police say?
Leicestershire Police was already investigating an allegation of an MP being targeted last month. The force said: “Leicestershire Police is investigating a report of malicious communications after a number of unsolicited messages were sent to a Leicestershire MP last month.”
The Met Police said: “We will assess any reports made to us accordingly.”
What did Mr Wragg say?
He has apologised after saying he was “manipulated” into sharing people’s numbers with a stranger.
What is the Tory Party saying?
Treasury minister Gareth Davies said: “I would just say to anybody that feels they’re in a similar position, if they ever feel like they’re being compromised or blackmailed, they should report that to the police.”
What next for Mr Wragg?
He has already announced he is standing down as MP for Hazel Grove, Gtr Manchester, at the next election.