Nicky Morgan received death threats relating to Brexit, it has emerged as a man admitted sending threatening messages to MPs.
The former minister was one of seven politicians to receive threatening and racially aggravated messages between December 4 last year and January 21.
Jarod Kirkman, 51, pleaded guilty to seven charges at Westminster magistrates’ court on Monday.
Bedfordshire Police said Kirkman, of Torquay Drive in Luton, set up a “fake email address” to send the threats but was tracked down by officers.
Following the plea, Ms Morgan said the messages were death threats “related to Brexit”.
She said: “I am very grateful to the police for how seriously they took this matter. MPs are used to criticism and challenge but it is unfortunate that we have hit a new high in the number and ferocity of malicious communications being sent to us now which are a direct attack on democracy and very difficult for our staff to deal with.”
The charges state that Kirkman also sent a threatening email to Labour MPs Yvette Cooper and Jenny Chapman, former Tory Nick Boles and Sarah Wollaston and Heidi Allen of the Independent Group.
He also pleaded guilty to a charge of racially or religiously aggravated intentional harassment against Labour MP David Lammy.
Investigating officer Detective Inspector Craig Laws said: “We have a duty to take all threats seriously, including those made to Members of Parliament.
“It is never acceptable for someone to be threatened for doing their job and we’re pleased Kirkman has admitted to committing the offences.”
Kirkman is due to be sentenced at the same court on April 18.
