Ex-MP shocked to be targeted by honeytrap attempt

An ex-MP has told the BBC of his shock at being targeted with flirtatious messages and an explicit image in an apparently coordinated scam.

The former politician blocked the WhatsApp number from someone calling themselves "Charlie".

Politico says up to 12 men at Westminster have been targeted.

"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," the former MP told the BBC.

Twelve men have contacted Politico to say they had received near-identical messages to the one received by the ex-MP or similar messages from another number. Several of the 12 were sent naked pictures in an attempt to entrap them.

The former MP, who is gay, told the BBC he was first contacted via Whatsapp on the evening of 11 March.

The message was from a number he did not recognise from someone calling themselves Charlie who claimed to remember them from their time working in Parliament.

"The last part of that message was 'Westminster misses you…' and that was basically something that friends usually do say anyway to make me feel better," he told BBC News.

"I was starting to feel bad actually. I was embarrassed thinking I'm speaking to someone who knows who I am and I'm trying desperately not to come across as rude."

The next message said: "I've just become single so I'm hanging out with the Westminster gays."

The former MP explained he was in a relationship but further flirtatious messages followed.

After "Charlie" sent an explicit image, the former MP blocked him.

BBC News has seen messages sent from the same number also from someone calling themselves "Charlie" to a political journalist.

These messages also talk about the recipient being 'missed' around Westminster and asking whether the journalist is still single or not.

The ex-MP told the BBC of his concern on learning that others had been targeted.

"The fact that somebody tried to and that their intent behind it was probably to do harm is really worrying."

He said he hoped to raise awareness about what had happened, so that others would come forward.

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."