Former Conservative MP David Warburton Passes Away at 59

David Warburton, a former Conservative Member of Parliament, has died at the age of 59. Warburton, who represented the Somerton and Frome constituency in Somerset from 2015 until his resignation in June 2023, was found deceased at a flat in west London. According to a statement from Scotland Yard, officers were called to Sands End, Fulham, on August 26, where a man in his 50s was discovered dead. The police are treating the death as “unexpected but not suspicious.”

Warburton’s resignation came after he faced allegations of sexual misconduct and cocaine use, which he publicly denied. He acknowledged using cocaine but refuted the misconduct claims, expressing concerns over a parliamentary investigation that lasted 14 months. In his resignation statement, he claimed he had been denied a fair hearing and stated he had “no choice” but to initiate “the upheaval of a by-election,” a seat that was subsequently won by Liberal Democrat MP Sarah Dyke.

The former MP’s death has prompted responses from fellow politicians. Marcus Fysh, a former Conservative colleague, described Warburton as a “steadfast colleague and defender of Somerset and Britain.” Fysh expressed his sadness upon hearing the news, extending condolences to Warburton’s family and friends. He remarked, “David was a talented and sensitive person with a great flair for words and passion for his constituents.”

Former Labour MP Simon Danczuk, who later joined Reform UK, shared his thoughts on social media. He noted that Warburton had been cleared by Parliament of any wrongdoing, adding, “like most of us, he wasn’t flawless.” Danczuk mentioned having met with Warburton recently and stated he was doing well, concluding with, “God bless him.”

The Metropolitan Police provided further details regarding the circumstances of Warburton’s death. A spokesperson stated that they were alerted by the London Ambulance Service at 10:47 on August 26. “A man in his 50s was found dead at the scene,” the spokesperson confirmed, adding that next of kin had been informed.

Additionally, a spokesperson for the London Ambulance Service indicated that they received reports of an incident at Chelsea Crescent, Chelsea Harbour, at 10:14 on the same day. Unfortunately, a man was pronounced dead at the scene.

Warburton’s political career was marked by controversy, but he also had a significant impact on his constituents during his tenure. As reactions to his passing continue to emerge, the political community reflects on both his contributions and the challenges he faced.