MP at centre of Westminster sexting scandal gives up Tory whip, party says

Police investigate after explicit photos sent to MPs

The Metropolitan Police are assessing reports of a parliamentary honeytrap sexting scam. Conservative MP William Wragg has revealed he was blackmailed into sharing his colleagues’ phone numbers after sharing intimate images of himself. Mr Wragg said on Thursday he was “manipulated" into giving personal phone numbers to a man he met on a dating app. Scotland Yard confirmed it was in contact with Leicestershire Police and Parliamentary Security amid concerns other MPs and their staff could be victims of blackmail. Report by Jonesia. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn

Ellie Reeves: William Wragg texting scam ‘concerning’

Labour’s deputy national campaign co-ordinator, Ellie Reeves, has described reports of explicit images and flirtatious messages being sent to MPs as part of an alleged sexting scam as “really concerning”. Conservative MP William Wragg said on Thursday he was “manipulated” into giving personal phone numbers of colleagues to a man he met on a gay dating app, after he had sent intimate pictures of himself. Report by Covellm. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn

Govt: Wragg texting scam is ‘incredibly troubling’

Reports of explicit images and flirtatious messages being sent to MPs as part of an alleged sexting scam are “incredibly troubling”, Treasury minister Gareth Davies said. Conservative MP William Wragg said on Thursday he was “manipulated” into giving personal phone numbers of colleagues to a man he met on a gay dating app, after he had sent intimate pictures of himself. Report by Covellm. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn

Mr Sunak, 'are you part of the deep state?'

William Wragg, chair of the public administration and constitutional reform committee, asked the prime minister if he is “part of the deep state,” referring to comments made by Liz Truss who claimed her mission to cut taxes were “sabotaged” by the “deep state.” Mr Sunak wryly responded: “I probably wouldn't tell you if I was, Will, would I?” Report by Covellm. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn

Starmer welcomes Poulter to Labour after defection over NHS

Labour leader Keir Starmer has welcomed Dan Poulter to his party, saying his defection speaks for many Tory voters. Mr Poulter, who is also a doctor, said he is unable to provide NHS patients with quality treatment due to the Tory's mismanagement of the health service. Report by Alibhaiz. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn

Labour: Chaos within Tories as elections loom

Labour's deputy campaign co-ordinator, Ellie Reeves, has said there is 'chaos and infighting' within the Conservative Party ahead of the local elections this week. Report by Alibhaiz. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn

Stride 'bemused' by Poulter's defection to Labour

Work and Pensions Secretary Mel Stride has said he is 'bemused' by Dan Poulter's comments that the Conservatives have become a 'nationalist party of the right'. The former health minister and mental health doctor announced he would be defecting to Labour as he could no longer look his NHS colleagues, patients and constituents in the eye. Report by Alibhaiz. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn