Conservative MP resigns as Shadow Minister after sharing sexually explicit images

Nov 7 2018, 9:02 am

Editor’s Note: A previous headline on this story suggested Clement had resigned as a Member of Parliament. This is not the case. While Clement has stepped down as Conservative Shadow Minister for Justice and resigned from his various committee roles, he will remain as an MP. 

Conservative MP Tony Clement has resigned after sharing sexually explicit images and a video of himself with an individual who he believes to be a “consenting female.”

Clement — who was the MP for Ontario’s Parry Sound-Muskoka riding and the Conservative Shadow Minister for Justice — announced his resignation today, claiming he fell victim to a financial extortion scheme.

“Over the last three weeks, I have shared sexually explicit images and a video of myself to someone who I believed was a consenting female recipient. The recipient was, in fact, an individual or party who targeted me for the purpose of financial extortion,” he wrote.

Clement said that the RCMP are investigating into the matter.

The former MP says he has realized his wrongdoing and recognizes he “exercised very poor judgement.”

“First and foremost, I apologize to my family for the needless pain and humiliation my actions have caused. I also apologize to my colleagues and my constituents for letting them down.”

Clement says that he is seeking help and treatment “to make sure this will not happen again.”

In a statement, Conservative Leader Andrew Scheer said he is “greatly disappointed with Mr. Clement’s actions” but feels “encouraged that he has decided to seek help.”

Scheer says Lisa Raitt, Conservative Deputy Leader and the MP for Milton, will take over Clement’s role as Shadow Minister for Justice.

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