Former Somerton and Frome MP David Warburton has announced that allegations of sexual misconduct made against him have been withdrawn, bringing an end to the investigation. Mr. Warburton, who was suspended by the Conservative party in April 2022 following the claims, recently resigned as an MP, although he admitted to drug-taking, he vehemently denied any allegations of sexual misconduct.
A by-election is scheduled to take place this Thursday to select his successor, as the constituency moves forward from this tumultuous period. The House of Commons Independent Expert Panel (IEP) had ordered a reinvestigation into the allegations earlier this month, citing flaws in the initial investigation’s methodology. However, the IEP panel did not pass judgment on the allegations themselves, leaving them open for further assessment.
In a significant development, a spokesperson for the House of Commons confirmed on Sunday that the investigation will no longer proceed. This decision marks a turning point for Mr. Warburton, who expressed his relief over the outcome. He acknowledged the rarity of the Independent Expert Panel fully upholding an appeal by an MP, making the dismissal of the allegations against him all the more significant.
While Mr Warburton expressed his delight at the withdrawal of the allegations, he also highlighted the toll the past year has taken on him and his family. The personal cost, in his own words, has been incalculable. In order to speak out against what he described as “appalling injustice,” he made the difficult decision to step down as an MP.
As the former MP moves forward, he hopes to shed light on the challenging experience he has endured and emphasize the need for fair and rigorous investigation processes. The withdrawal of the allegations brings a measure of resolution to the situation, although questions surrounding the initial investigation and the subsequent fallout remain.
