Conservative MP David Warburton Resigns Amid Sexual Misconduct Allegations, Triggers Fourth By-Election

David Warburton, a Conservative MP who was suspended from the party over allegations of sexual misconduct, has resigned.

He was accused of taking drugs and making unwanted advances towards two women, which led to his suspension from the Conservative Party in April 2021.

Warburton's resignation means the Conservatives will face a fourth by-election.

He had represented Somerton and Frome in Somerset since 2015 and won with a majority of 19,213 in the last poll.

Warburton claimed he was denied a fair hearing by the Independent Complaints and Grievance Scheme (ICGS) and prevented from "speaking out" while it investigated the accusations.

The House of Commons rejected the claim, stating that ICGS is "there to ensure all complaints are dealt with in a manner that is fair, thorough, independent, and efficient." Warburton joins Boris Johnson and Nigel Adams, who also resigned and triggered by-elections in their constituencies.