David Warburton, the former Conservative MP for Somerton and Frome, has died suddenly at the age of 59. Warburton served as the MP for the Somerset constituency from 2015 until his resignation in 2023, following suspension from the Conservative Party due to allegations of sexual harassment and drug use.
On Tuesday, August 26, Warburton was found dead in his Chelsea flat in London. Emergency services have described the death as unexpected but not suspicious. The London Ambulance Service responded to the scene shortly after 10 am but pronounced him dead at the location.
Former MP Stephen Danczuk expressed his condolences, saying, “It’s such sad news. He had really got back on track after having a difficult time in politics. He was thriving in business, running an energy company, and things were looking up.” Danczuk recalled meeting him months earlier and noted that Warburton appeared to be moving forward positively.
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David Warburton’s political career included a significant victory in 2015 when he captured Somerton and Frome from the Liberal Democrats, turning it into a secure Conservative seat. However, his career took a downturn after allegations led to the withdrawal of the Tory whip in April 2022. After enduring a challenging period, Warburton resigned from Parliament in June 2023, calling the experience “extraordinarily difficult.”
In interviews, Warburton admitted to recreational cocaine use following heavy drinking but denied any wrongdoing related to accusations of harassment against a female aide.
Following his resignation, Liberal Democrat Sarah Dyke won the subsequent by-election, reclaiming the seat for her party.