Sunday Mirror says MP sex sting was in the public interest

Brooks Newmark and the fictional Sophie Wittams UPPA/ Twitter

Cahal Milmo

As a middle-aged minister keeping long hours in the social maelstrom of Westminster, Brooks Newmark was clearly flattered to receive the attention of a striking blonde public relations worker calling herself Sophie Wittams.

After a series of tweets from the self-styled “twentysomething Tory PR girl” linking to his own online musings, the 56-year-old MP followed her on Twitter and sent a private message expressing his satisfaction that “you appreciate my humour”.