David Warburton stands down as Somerton and Frome MP 'with immediate effect'
He has called the last 14 months 'extraordinarily difficult'
Last updated 19th Jun 2023
Since last April, Somerton and Frome's MP - David Warburton - had been suspended from the Conservative Party following claims over drug use and sexual harrassment.
This evening, he has confirmed he is to stand down from his seat 'with immediate effect'.
Warburton was waiting for the results of an investigation into the allegations he had been suspended for from the Independent Complaints and Grievance Scheme.
Although he didn't discuss this in his outgoing letter to The Rt Hon. Jeremy Hunt MP, he told the Mail on Sunday that he was denied a fair hearing by a watchdog into parliamentary harassment.
This watchdog was looking into the allegations against two women, in which it was claimed he made unwanted advances against them.
He also told the newspaper about the use of drugs after drinking what he claimed to be 'incredibly potent' Japanese whisky, which he consumed with a third woman.
He denied harassment allegations.
In his resignation letter, he wrote that the investigation had left his constituents with 'less than the full representation in Parliament that they deserve', and went on to add about the ICGS investigation, saying it was 'flawed'.
This leaves Prime Minister Rishi Sunak with four by-elections.
Last week, Boris Johnson, Nadine Dorries and Nigel announced their resignations shortly after the former Prime Minister announced his resignation honours list.
David Warburton's statement in full
UK Parliament 'remains focused' on making sure investigations are as efficient as possible
A spokesperson from UK Parliament told us they do not accept David Warburton's claims that the ICGS is not fit for purpose.
They said that the watchdog is there to make sure all complaints are dealt in a fair, thorough, independent and efficient way.
The spokesperson added: “Parliament remains absolutely committed to the ICGS. It is there to ensure that all complaints are dealt with in a manner that is fair, thorough, independent and efficient, offering support to all parties. The target to reduce the length of investigations must always be balanced against the paramount requirement to ensure that investigations are rigorous and robust. The scheme always seeks to learn from cases, and is mindful of the impact investigations may have on those involved.
“The ICGS remains focused on ensuring that investigations can progress as efficiently as possible, as well as ensuring greater transparency and confidence in its processes. Significant work has already been undertaken to improve the scheme, including the recruitment of additional independent investigators.
“Combined with oversight and appeal functions delivered by the Commissioner for Standards and the Independent Expert Panel, we now have strong, fair and independent processes in place that we encourage all those in Parliament to use if needed. We remain committed to ensuring that lasting cultural change can be delivered for all of those in Parliament.
“Parliament’s Independent Complaints and Grievance Scheme (ICGS) operates on the basis of confidentiality for the benefit of all parties. It is vital to the integrity of every case and for the wellbeing of those involved. For that reason, we cannot provide any information on any complaints or cases, including whether or not a complaint has been received.
"The ICGS is there to ensure that all complaints are dealt with in a manner that is fair, thorough, independent and efficient, offering support to all parties. Parliament remains absolutely committed to the ICGS, with the scheme itself focused on ensuring that investigations can progress as efficiently as possible, with significant work already undertaken.”