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

Labour wins Blackpool South by-election

Labour has won the Blackpool South parliamentary by-election, with Chris Webb securing 10,825 votes, a majority of 7,607. The contest was triggered by the resignation of former Tory MP Scott Benton following a lobbying scandal. The Tories avoided the humiliation of coming third in Blackpool South, but finished just 117 votes ahead of Reform UK. 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