The MP for Hazel Grove told the newspaper: "They had compromising things on me. They wouldn't leave me alone.

"They would ask for people. I gave them some numbers, not all of them. I told him to stop. He's manipulated me and now I've hurt other people.

"I got chatting to a guy on an app and we exchanged pictures. We were meant to meet up for drinks, but then didn't.

"Then he started asking for numbers of people. I was worried because he had stuff on me. He gave me a WhatsApp number, which doesn't work now. I've hurt people by being weak.

"I was scared. I'm mortified. I'm so sorry that my weakness has caused other people hurt."

It has been reported this week that a serving minister, some MPs, party staffers and political journalists were among those who received unsolicited messages from two unknown WhatsApp users.

A Leicestershire Police spokesperson said they were investigating a report of malicious communications after a number of unsolicited messages were sent to a Leicestershire MP last month.

Speaking to Sky News this morning, Treasury minister Gareth Davies said the incident was an "incredibly troubling situation".

"Will Wragg has rightly apologised for the action that he took," he said.

"But I think it's clear to anybody hearing about the situation that he was in... people react in different ways and I would just say to anybody watching this, if you ever feel that you're in a compromised position, if you ever feel like you're being blackmailed, then you should go to the police immediately because it is an incredibly serious matter."

Asked whether Mr Wragg should have the Conservative whip removed - which would force him to sit as an independent MP in the Commons - Mr Davies said: "There's a police investigation that's already been launched and that's right that that happens.

"In addition, the Speaker has announced that the parliamentary security department are also going to be investigating this.

"I will say that there are very robust procedures and resources for members of parliament to protect us against a variety of different threats, including cyber security threats, and that will remain the case for a long time."

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Ellie Reeves, Labour's deputy national campaign co-ordinator, said there was a "possibility" the phishing was an act of a hostile state.

"That's why it's important that there is a police investigation now into what has happened," she said.

A parliamentary spokesperson said: "Parliament takes security extremely seriously and works closely with government in response to such incidents.

"We provide members and staff with tailored advice, making them aware of security risks and how to manage their digital safety. We are encouraging anyone affected who has concerns to contact the Parliamentary Security Department."