MP's anger over fake blog

Police are investigating after a county MP was targeted by cyberpests who impersonated him online in a fake blog.

Telford MP David Wright said he was furious after controversial remarks supposedly made by him appeared on a website claiming to be his blog.

But the website turned out to be a fake and has now been taken down.

Mr Wright said: "When I found out about this fake blog, I was shocked people could stoop to such tactics.

"I was concerned the people behind it were unwilling to engage in open and honest debate because, after all, that is what politics is about."

But a man claiming to have masterminded the fake website said he did not do it for political gain, but "for a laugh".

The man, in his 30s and from Telford, believes he will face no legal action as he checked legislation before setting up the prank website.

"I thought it was pretty obvious the site was a joke, but I can understand Mr Wright being annoyed," he said.

"It wasn't illegal as I never did it for my own gain or fraudulent reasons.

"I think politicians should engage with voters more than they do, so I hope Mr Wright embraces blogging from now on."

On the spoof website, the man, writing as Mr Wright, criticised political rivals, spoke of his pride at his Oakengates heritage and called himself "Red Dave" in reference to his Labour roots.

It has since been removed by the company which hosted it.

Visitors to the site now see a message saying: "This blog has been archived or suspended for a violation of our terms of service."

Mr Wright said he met police and officers are now examining legislation to see if any criminal offence has been committed.

"This kind of thing debases politics so I have now referred the matter to police because this type of activity needs to be stopped.

"Identity theft is a matter of concern for everybody whether in public life or not. This is not a party political issue, but I think everybody needs to be vigilant."

A Telford police spokesman said: "We are aware of the situation."

By Tom Johannsen