The dramatic and rapid unravelling of former Conservative MP David Warburton's life and career reads like a political thriller, friends have exclusively revealed. The once-respected politician's descent from a prominent Westminster figure to a man found dead in a flat, surrounded by the trappings of a shattered life, exposes a story of cocaine, illicit affairs, and staggering personal collapse.
According to close confidants, Warburton's life spiralled out of control following allegations of sexual misconduct and cocaine use, which ultimately forced his resignation. His world shrank from the halls of power to a small flat, a far cry from the family home he once shared with his wife, Harriet.
A Life of Excess and Secrecy
Friends paint a picture of a Jekyll-and-Hyde existence. Publicly, he was the successful MP for Somerton and Frome; privately, he was embroiled in a world of excess. It's claimed he was driving a £130,000 Porsche and frequented a 'sex dungeon' in Chelsea, all while his marriage crumbled.
The most poignant symbol of his fall from grace was his temporary residence: his car. Before settling in the flat where he was later found deceased, he was reportedly sleeping in a car park, a stark contrast to his former status.
The Downward Spiral: Cocaine and Controversy
The catalyst for his political annihilation was a series of allegations published by the Sun on Sunday in March 2022. He was accused of taking cocaine and engaging in inappropriate sexual conduct with two younger women. Although he admitted to taking the drug after drinking 'incredibly potent' Japanese whiskey, he denied the sexual harassment claims.
The pressure of the subsequent investigation by Parliament's Independent Complaints and Grievance Scheme (ICGS) is cited by friends as the breaking point. The process, described as 'Kafkaesque', left him isolated and unable to properly defend himself, leading to a state of deep depression.
A Tragic End
David Warburton was found dead at the age of 56 in a flat in Midsomer Norton, Somerset, in August. While the cause of death has not been officially disclosed, those close to him believe the immense stress and personal turmoil directly contributed to his tragic demise. His story serves as a sobering cautionary tale about the immense pressures of public life and the devastating speed of a personal downfall.
