Frome David Warburton investigation - report is finally published but it is not the end

By Susie Watkins

4th Jul 2023 | Local News

David Warburton is no longer an MP
David Warburton is no longer an MP

Questions over the conduct of the former Frome MP remain as the investigation, which has taken a year to complete, may be restarted.

The report by the standards group in parliament was published today (July 4) and found that the MP, who resigned last month, WAS guilty of three sexual misconduct allegations, but because the investigation was not carried out correctly it needs to start again.

Which leaves the question of why, since he is no longer an MP.

The Sunday Times journalist who broke the story about Mr Warburton taking drugs, accepting loans and making sexual advances to young women, stated on social media that the report seems a farce. He revealed that one of the women who made a complaint against the Ex Frome MP has now left the country and another has changed jobs.

The long-awaited report was formally presented to parliament - Mr Warburton's wife, who remains in post as his communications manager, drew focus for journalists on the line: "It found that the Investigator had failed properly to pursue the suggestion by the respondent that the complainant had colluded with witnesses to fabricate the complaint against him. "

The report HERE states : "Following an independent investigation, the Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards upheld three allegations of sexual misconduct against Mr Warburton. However, the IEP sub-panel that considered Mr Warburton's appeal decided that the investigation was materially flawed in ways that affected the Commissioner's decision, and that his decision was procedurally flawed."

David Warburton has since appeared on local television to claim an orchestrated smear campaign against him, and suggested it might be Russian-based. He admitted taking cocaine, saying it was naïve and incredibly stupid of him.

Mr Warburton announced his intention to resign as an MP on Saturday 17 June. The sub-panel reached its decision to allow the appeal and order a reinvestigation on 14 June and was in the process of drafting its written decision when Mr Warburton made his announcement.

     

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