Farage calls MP's fraud actions 'disgusting'

William Wragg — Deputy Chairman of the 1922 Committee

Nigel Farage called William Wragg's actions «disgusting» and said: «This is the case» which is to be investigated by MPs' standards committee after Mr Wragg admitted his involvement in the Westminster sexting scandal.

This is according to former senior parliamentary official, Conservative MP Mr Wragg, vice-chairman of the 1922 Committee must «face the consequences» by «moving away» from its position.

Last week 36- year-old Wragg admitted passing on colleagues' personal phone numbers to a man he met on Grindr, a gay dating app.

Colleagues whose numbers were passed on, including several MPs, staffers and a journalist, were then killed messages were sent from senders identifying themselves as «Charlie» or «Abi», The Times reports.

Police are investigating reports of a parliamentary sexting trap, which is also being investigated by the parliamentary security department.

It was later confirmed that Mr Wragg would retain the whip amid concerns he was also a victim, with Chancellor Jeremy Hunt describing him The apology was called «brave and frank.»

«Frankly, this is a security risk»

But on Saturday Mr Farage, honorary president of Reform UK, told The Telegraph: «Frankly, I think it's reprehensible to give private phone numbers of public figures to people you know are bad actors.»

“I think this is absolutely appalling and quite frankly a security risk and all I hear from Westminster is sympathy and what a courageous man William Wragg is. What he did is disgusting — no one dares talk about it.»

Asked if he thought Daniel Greenberg, the parliamentary standards commissioner, should investigate, Mr Farage said: » I think there are reasons [for this].”

Writing in The Spectator, Eliot Wilson, a clerk in the House of Commons between 2005 and 2016, also said Mr Wragg should face consequences.

Mr Wilson wrote: “The unpleasant truth is «is that Wragg made reckless, irresponsible, stupid and ultimately selfish mistakes that had serious consequences.» consequences for other MPs and people working in Parliament.»

Acknowledging that Mr Wragg was himself a victim, Mr Wilson added: «[He] must step back from his select committee duties and his positions on the 1922 committee.» executive. The Tories should also suspend him while the whole sad affair is investigated by the police and others.»

Mr Wragg told The Times last week that he was «terrified» and that the man had » dirt» on him. . “I hurt people with my weakness. I was scared. I'm upset,” he said. «I am very sorry that my weakness has caused pain to other people.»

The Telegraph has reached out to Mr Wragg for a response.