Ex-Labour councillor appears in court over Westminster blackmail allegation

An ex-Labour councillor has appeared in court charged with blackmail after an investigation into an alleged Westminster honeytrap.

Oliver Steadman, 28, is charged with one count of blackmailing then-senior Conservative MP William Wragg for the contact telephone numbers of up to 12 people.

Mr Wragg resigned the party whip in April 2024 after he admitted giving politicians' phone numbers to a suspected scammer he met on a dating app.

Steadman, of Islington, north London, has also been charged with five counts of sending offensive, indecent, obscene or menacing messages by a public communication network.

He appeared at Westminster Magistrates' Court on Monday.

During the brief hearing, Steadman, who wore a dark suit, spoke only to confirm his name, date of birth and address.

The charges span the period 8 October 2023 to 31 March 2024.

Prosecutor Vincent Scully said they are all linked.

Steadman was granted unconditional bail and is due to next appear at Southwark Crown Court on 1 December.