A former Labour council member, Oliver Steadman, aged 28, has been formally accused of engaging in a “honeytrap” scheme targeting Members of Parliament (MPs). Allegations suggest that Steadman blackmailed a victim into providing contact information for 12 individuals. He is said to have utilized WhatsApp to communicate with five individuals within Westminster circles, as confirmed by law enforcement authorities.
The incident involved several individuals, including MPs affiliated with both the Conservative and Labour parties, who received flirtatious messages from an individual identifying themselves as “Charlie” or “Abi”. Following the exchange of explicit photos, it was reported that at least two MPs reciprocated with similar images.
Steadman is currently facing charges related to five communication offenses, according to the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS). Malcolm McHaffie, the head of CPS’s Special Crime Division, stated that the decision to prosecute Steadman for blackmail and communication offenses stemmed from an investigation conducted by the Metropolitan Police Service. The investigation focused on unsolicited indecent images sent via WhatsApp to individuals within political spheres between October 2023 and April 2024.
McHaffie emphasized that the decision to pursue legal action was based on the presence of substantial evidence and the public interest in addressing the matter. Steadman is scheduled to make his initial court appearance at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Monday, November 3, 2025.
Steadman voluntarily resigned from his position as a Labour council member on Islington Council in North London in June of the previous year. It is known that he is currently under suspension by the party.
Steadman was taken into custody in June of the prior year and has been out on bail since then. He has been instructed to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on the specified date.
Individuals affected by these events are being provided with ongoing support and guidance from law enforcement authorities.