A political scandal that has rocked the heart of Westminster took a dramatic turn this week, as former Labour councillor Oliver Steadman, 28, was formally charged with blackmail and multiple communications offences. The charges stem from the so-called "Westminster honeytrap" affair, which saw a string of MPs and political staffers targeted by explicit and manipulative messages over WhatsApp, allegedly orchestrated by Steadman using the aliases "Abi" and "Charlie."
According to BBC News and The Independent, Steadman, a resident of Pemberton Gardens in north London, was charged on September 17, 2025, with one count of blackmail and five counts of improper use of a public electronic communications network. The blackmail charge specifically relates to what authorities describe as "unwarranted demands" for the contact numbers of up to twelve individuals, all of whom are believed to be working in or closely connected to Westminster politics.
The investigation, led by the Metropolitan Police Service, began in earnest after a series of unsolicited, flirtatious WhatsApp messages were reported between October 2023 and April 2024. These messages, sent under the pseudonyms "Abi" and "Charlie," initially referenced the careers and campaigns of MPs and staffers, building a sense of rapport before escalating into sexually explicit exchanges. In several instances, the unknown sender dispatched graphic images and requested nude photographs in return. The attacks were described by security experts as a form of spear phishing, a targeted scam that leverages personal and deceptive communication to extract sensitive information from victims.
As The Guardian notes, at least twelve men in political circles are believed to have received such unsolicited messages, and two reportedly responded by sending explicit images of themselves. The messages were not limited to MPs alone; staffers and political journalists were also among those targeted, raising concerns about the breadth and sophistication of the operation.
One of the most high-profile victims of the honeytrap was William Wragg, the then-Conservative MP for Hazel Grove. In April 2024, Wragg resigned the Conservative party whip after admitting he had handed over the phone numbers of several colleagues to the individual behind the messages. Wragg later told The Times that he was "scared" because the scammer possessed compromising information about him, information he had unwittingly shared after engaging with the honeytrap on a dating app. Wragg's admission and subsequent resignation sent shockwaves through Westminster, highlighting the vulnerability even of senior political figures to sophisticated online manipulation.
Other senior figures, such as Conservative MP Dr. Luke Evans, also reported receiving unsolicited explicit images and messages, further underscoring the scale of the operation. The incident sparked a wider debate about digital security, privacy, and the unique risks faced by those working in the political sphere.
Steadman’s arrest in June 2024 was a pivotal moment in the investigation. The Labour Party acted swiftly, suspending him from membership as soon as they were notified of the arrest. Steadman subsequently resigned as a councillor in Islington, north London, in July 2024, after serving only two months in the role. According to PinkNews, the party’s internal investigation has been paused pending the outcome of the legal proceedings, and Steadman remains suspended from Labour.
The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) has played a central role in bringing the charges forward. Malcolm McHaffie, head of the CPS Special Crime Division, said in a statement: "We have decided to prosecute Oliver Steadman with blackmail and five communications offences in relation to a total of five victims working within politics and Westminster. This follows an investigation by the Metropolitan Police Service which looked into messages that included alleged unsolicited indecent images sent to a number of people within parliamentary political circles between October 2023 and April 2024 using Whatsapp. Our prosecutors have worked to establish that there is sufficient evidence to bring this case to court and that it is in the public interest to pursue criminal proceedings."
The specific charges against Steadman include one count of blackmail and one count of improper use of a public electronic communications network in relation to one victim, as well as four further communications offences—each relating to sending alleged unsolicited indecent images to four other victims. All charges are linked to individuals working in politics and Westminster, according to the CPS.
Steadman is scheduled to appear at Westminster Magistrates' Court on November 3, 2025. Legal experts suggest that the case will be closely watched not only for its political implications but also for what it reveals about the intersection of technology, privacy, and public life in the digital age.
The honeytrap scandal has also prompted renewed scrutiny of security protocols within Parliament and political parties. The use of spear phishing tactics—where scammers impersonate trusted contacts to extract sensitive data—has become increasingly common in recent years, but the targeting of MPs and their staffers with such personal and compromising material is a chilling reminder of the risks involved. As Politico reported, the Metropolitan Police launched its investigation after receiving complaints from a range of political figures who had been approached by "Abi" or "Charlie" with messages that quickly turned explicit and threatening.
For those caught up in the scandal, the impact has been profound. The sense of trust and camaraderie that often characterizes parliamentary circles has been shaken, with many MPs and staffers now more wary than ever of unsolicited digital communication. The Labour Party, for its part, has reiterated its commitment to upholding standards and supporting those affected, while also emphasizing the need for due process as the legal case unfolds.
Observers say the case is likely to have long-term ramifications for political culture in Westminster. The incident has exposed not only individual vulnerabilities but also systemic weaknesses in how sensitive information is protected and how personal relationships intersect with professional responsibilities. As the legal proceedings move forward, many in the political world will be watching closely—not just for the outcome, but for the lessons that can be drawn about safeguarding privacy and integrity in an era where digital threats are never far away.
With Steadman’s court appearance on the horizon and the details of the honeytrap scheme now public, Westminster is bracing itself for further revelations. The case stands as a stark warning about the dangers of online manipulation and the importance of vigilance in every corner of public life.
