Ex-Tory MP describes ‘enormous guilt’ after sharing MPs’ phone numbers with catfish

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Former MP William Wragg expressed the overwhelming sense of "massive guilt" he experienced upon realizing he had been duped by a clever scam aimed specifically at politicians in Westminster.

In April of this year, authorities launched an investigation after reports indicated that at least 12 men connected to Westminster had been sent unexpected messages from the usernames "Charlie" and "Abi."

The fraudulent accounts were reportedly involved in a scheme aimed at tricking Members of Parliament and other political figures into sharing explicit images and other personal or sensitive details.

In contrast to others who were reached out to by the catfish accounts, 36-year-old former MP Mr. Wragg took the initiative to message “Charlie” after coming across the profile on the gay dating app Grindr.

He thought the profile belonged to a genuine individual before sharing intimate photos with the con artist.

In the days that came after, Mr. Wragg reported feeling unsafe and coerced into providing the phone numbers and private details of his colleagues in Westminster to an unknown account. He was worried that if he didn't go along with their demands, the scammer might expose his private photos as revenge.

In his initial radio interview regarding his participation, Mr. Wragg told the BBC that he came across the first reports about the Westminster honeytrap scandal while riding the train.

The ex-Conservative Party whip shared with the media, “I felt a sinking feeling in my stomach. Upon discovering some of the events that had taken place, I was overwhelmed with a deep sense of guilt and remorse.”

After the ex-MP for Hazel Grove shared the personal details of his colleagues, the con artist asked Mr. Wragg to confirm his identity to his next set of victims. Mr. Wragg consented, and he now says that this is the thing he regrets the most, describing it as "dishonest." The scammer then approached new victims, claiming he had once worked as a researcher for Mr. Wragg.

Shortly after he was reportedly blackmailed, Mr. Wragg started experiencing panic attacks. His outbursts of shouting, crying, and swearing disturbed his housemates who were trying to sleep.

He shared with the BBC that although his roommates were anxious, he found it difficult to communicate what he was experiencing. Once the news came out, the feelings of embarrassment and shame overwhelmed him.

He described how photographers and journalists were gathered outside his parents' home, the place he drove to when he started experiencing suicidal thoughts.

Not long after getting the necessary medical care, he went back to Westminster to step down from the Conservative whip and his positions on two parliamentary committees.

He had previously stated that he wouldn't be participating in the upcoming general election.

When BBC reporter Joe Pike inquired about his feelings seven months after the scandal that brought his political career to an end, Mr. Wragg responded, "I don't harbor any bitterness or anger because I've already felt so miserable and terrible about myself."

He expressed: "I feel deeply embarrassed that my tenure in parliament concluded like this."

On his last day as a Member of Parliament, he shared that he met with a psychologist, considering it an appropriate way to conclude his nine years in the House of Commons.

He went on to reveal a harsh reality regarding the stress faced by those in Westminster: "At any given moment, there are only two mental health beds available for MPs," he remarked. "It's shocking how frequently they are in use."

In June, a young man in his twenties who is part of the Labour Party was arrested in Islington, a neighborhood in north London, on allegations of harassment and violations of the Online Safety Act. He has now been released on bail.

If you're feeling overwhelmed or having a tough time managing your emotions, you can reach out to the Samaritans for support. You can talk to them confidentially by calling 116 123 (available in the UK and ROI), sending an email to [email protected], or checking their website to locate the nearest branch.