URGENT: Ex-Labour Councillor Charged in Shocking Westminster 'Honeytrap' Scandal

Breaking News: Ex-Labour Councillor Charged in Westminster 'Honeytrap' Scandal Oliver Steadman, a 28-year-old former Labour councillor, has been charged with blackmail and communications offences in connection with the Westminster "honeytrap" scandal. The charges relate to alleged unwarranted demands for phone numbers of up to 12 individuals and sending unsolicited indecent images. The Metropolitan Police Service's investigation led to Steadman's arrest in June 2024, prompting his suspension as a Labour member. He resigned as councillor in Islington, north London, the following month. According to Malcolm McHaffie, head of the Crown Prosecution Service's Special Crime Division, "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." The scandal emerged last year when several men, mostly working in politics, reported receiving unsolicited flirtatious WhatsApp messages from individuals claiming to be "Charlie" or "Abi". In some cases, explicit images were exchanged. This is a developing story. Further details will emerge as the case unfolds. *This is a developing story. Updates will be provided as more information becomes available. Based on reporting from Bbc.*