The political world was rocked today by the tragic news that former Conservative MP David Warburton has been found dead at his west London residence. The 56-year-old, who represented Somerton and Frome until his resignation last year, was discovered on Sunday morning.
Metropolitan Police confirmed they were called to the address following concerns for the welfare of an occupant. A spokesperson stated: "We were called at approximately 11:20am on Sunday to a residential address in west London following concerns for the welfare of an occupant. Officers attended and found the body of a man in his 50s. The death is not being treated as suspicious."
Career Cut Short by Scandal
Warburton's political career came to an abrupt halt in June 2023 when he resigned after a 14-month suspension from the Conservative Party. The allegations that ended his tenure included claims of sexual misconduct and cocaine use, which he consistently denied while acknowledging taking cocaine after drinking "incredibly potent" Japanese whisky.
First elected in 2015, the former music teacher turned politician had built a significant majority in his Somerset constituency, winning by 19,213 votes in 2019. His resignation triggered a by-election that saw the Liberal Democrats overturn this substantial majority.
Mixed Reactions from Colleagues
Fellow MPs have expressed their shock and sadness at the news. One Conservative colleague described Warburton as "a decent man who found himself in an impossible situation," while another noted that "the pressures of political life can be unbearable for some."
Local constituents in Somerton and Frome have been laying flowers at his former constituency office, with many expressing sympathy for his family despite the controversies that clouded his final months in office.
The coroner's office has confirmed that an inquest into Warburton's death will be opened in due course, as investigations into the exact circumstances continue.
