Oliver Steadman, 29, faces one count of blackmail and five charges of improper use of a public electronic communications network. Authorities allege he orchestrated flirty messages and explicit images targeting multiple MPs and Westminster officials.
Connection to William Wragg
William Wragg, former MP for Hazel Grove, resigned the Conservative whip in April 2024 and later stepped down from Parliament following the general election. He admitted sharing phone numbers of fellow politicians with a contact met on the Grindr dating app. Prosecutors claim Steadman was that individual.
Between February 1 and March 31, 2024, Steadman allegedly sent messages demanding contact numbers for up to 12 individuals from Wragg, accompanied by threats.
Court Proceedings
Judge Tony Baumgartner adjourned the case for a three-week trial set to begin on October 4, 2027. Steadman remains on unconditional bail. A pre-trial hearing is scheduled for October 12, 2026.
Steadman entered no pleas to charges involving menacing messages sent to Wragg or indecent images directed at Ben Everitt, former Conservative MP for Milton Keynes North; Luke Evans, Conservative MP for Hinckley and Bosworth; Ross Thomson, Tory MP for Aberdeen South from 2017 to 2019; and Ben Proctor.
Background
Steadman previously served as a Labour councillor in Islington and worked for the mental health charity Mind.
