Rewrite the following news content into a professional, SEO-optimized article. Instructions: Keep the meaning exactly the same. Do not add false information. Remove any unwanted text, metadata, or comments at the beginning. Write in clear, engaging, and human-like news tone. Use short paragraphs (2–4 lines each). Add proper headings (H2/H3) where relevant. Ensure good readability and flow. Use simple English (Grade 6–8 level). Avoid repetition and fluff. Format properly for a blog/news post. Content: Ex-Labour councillor pleads not guilty to blackmail in ‘honeytrap’ case. 2 hours ago. Joe PikePolitics investigations correspondent. BBC. Former Labour councillor Oliver Steadman has pleaded not guilty to blackmail at Southwark Crown Court in connection with the alleged ‘honeytrap’ plot targeting men involved in Westminster politics.. Steadman, 29, was arrested in June 2024 and later charged with one count of blackmailing then Conservative MP William Wragg in order to get the telephone numbers of up to 12 individuals.. Wragg stood down as an MP after admitting to sharing colleagues’ personal phone numbers with someone he met on a dating app.. Steadman will remain on unconditional bail until his trial on 4 October 2027.. A pre-trial hearing is due to take place on 12 October 2026.. Steadman did not enter pleas to charges of sending menacing messages to Wragg and sending indecent images to others including Conservative MP Luke Evans and former Conservative MPs Ben Everitt and Ross Thompson.. He was suspended as a Labour member after the party was notified of his arrest in June 2024 and a month later resigned as a councillor in Islington, north London.
