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Tory MP David Warburton investigated by harassment watchdog over sex claims

 Provided by Metro David Warburton, the MP for Somerset and Frome, has had the Tory whip withdrawn pending an investigation into allegations about his conduct (Picture: PA)

A Conservative MP has had the whip withdrawn pending an investigation by the watchdog over allegations about his conduct.

David Warburton, the MP for Somerset and Frome, will not be allowed to sit as a Tory MP while the probe is ongoing.

The claims about the 56-year-old, who sits on the backbenches, are being examined by Parliament’s Independent Complaints and Grievance Scheme (ICGS).

Claims involving ‘bullying, harassment and/or sexual misconduct’ are handled by the watchdog.

A report in The Times claimed allegations made by two separate women are being investigated. This has not been officially confirmed by parliamentary authorities. 

The paper makes further allegations regarding drug use and the MP’s financial dealings. Neither of these additional claims are said to be under formal investigation and have not been addressed by Mr Warburton publicly. 

Provided by Metro Mr Warburton has been an MP since 2015 and represents a Somerset constituency (Picture: Twitter)

The Telegraph, which said the ICGS received a report claiming the MP had behaved inappropriately, reported he denies wrongdoing.

Mr Warburton is cited as telling the newspaper: ‘I have enormous amounts of defence, but unfortunately the way that things work means that doesn’t come out first.

‘I have heard nothing whatsoever from the Independent Complaints and Grievance Scheme. I’m sorry, I can’t comment any further.’

A spokesperson for the Whips Office said: ‘David Warburton MP has had the Conservative Party whip removed while the investigation is ongoing.’

The MP appeared to have deleted his Twitter following revelations in a number of media outlets.

Metro.co.uk has contacted Mr Warburton for comment.

 Provided by Metro The 56-year-old is being investigated by the body set up in the wake of Me Too allegations in parliament (Picture: Getty)

He was first elected in 2015 with a majority of 20,268, or 53% of the vote, the largest constituency swing to the Conservative Party at that election.

The married father was re-elected in 2017 and 2019, with majorities of 22,906 and 19,213, respectively.

He is the current chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Music and was previously a member of the Commons European Scrutiny Committee. 

Reference: Metro: Sean Seddon