LOCAL MP David Warburton has issued a statement addressing some of the criticisms aimed at him since allegations about sexual harassment and cocaine use surfaced in April.
The MP for Somerton and Frome remains under investigation by Parliament’s harassment watchdog, the Independent Complaints and Grievance Scheme, and was suspended from the Conservative Party in April following the allegations.
In his statement, David Warburton said not being able to answer allegations has been ‘appallingly frustrating and painful’; that he has continued to work on behalf of his constituents and that he urgently looks forward to the investigations concluding and being able to resume his seat in the Commons.
His statement in full reads, “It looks, at last, as though the investigations – one prompted by a complaint arising from a Sunday Times article, and two leaked to that paper – are reaching their conclusion.
“Not being able to speak out against those stories has been the most appallingly frustrating and painful experience, particularly knowing that my constituents have been left entirely in the dark, other than the outline of the claims against me.
“I can only repeat that it is a condition of the investigation process that I am not allowed to comment in any way until it is concluded. I have complied utterly with this regulation. “In the normal course of events, any such investigation happens within the shelter of that confidentiality and an MP continues public work throughout the process. But in my case the guidelines on confidentiality were broken some eight weeks before I was even officially told of any investigation.
“This has meant that I have been asked informally not to speak or vote in Parliament until such time as my name can be cleared. I have again complied. “But this – plus the difficulty of my attending many local events with such damaging accusations in circulation – has meant that local people have felt, quite understandably, less than fully represented.
“I can assure you that not only have I and my immensely supportive and hardworking office team been working for local people throughout this time, but I have continued and will continue to represent them at all levels.
“Since 2nd April, when the stories first appeared in the press, I have in fact dealt with well over 3,000 pieces of casework and over 1,500 policy queries. Three issues which have taken up a considerable amount of time are The Homes for Ukraine Scheme, Visas for Ukrainian refugees and helping their sponsors, and delayed passport applications. “I have also received a large quantity of correspondence about Government policy. Constituents have raised numerous queries, made suggestions and shared their wide-ranging views on areas of policy.
“And, of course, in the past weeks there has been a flood of those wanting to express their strong views on the course of government, the mini-budget, the Prime Minister and the outlook for the future. It is a pleasure to respond to these thoughts and to pass them on, in order that they are felt and – I hope – acted upon.
“I am in continual contact with Ministers about this – and much else. I write formally to Ministers daily and have submitted 13 Written Questions to Government in the past month alone.
“Of course, I have also been providing clarification and replies from Ministers across all departments for my constituents. “Much of the work of an MP is, in this way, unseen. Like the surgeries for local people I continue to hold.
“But – without giving an exhaustive list – other issues which I and my team have been dealing with during this period, in no particular order, include: access to cash / post office closures / ATMs; local bus services; DVLA – multiple cases of delayed driving licence applications & renewals; access to NHS dentistry; noise pollution from low flying aircraft and quarries; light pollution; anti-social behaviour; complaints about the police; complaints about drug dealing; problems with housing associations; problems getting on the housing list; Home Office – delays with visa applications/support with visa applications (additional to Ukrainian refugees); delayed planning applications, objections to planning applications and local plan issues; DWP – problems with access to benefits; lost/delayed pensions; Council services – including recycling; transport to schools & school placements; speeding & dangerous driving; street furniture; pot holes; HGVs and sat navs; access & delays to GP surgery appointments; delayed elective surgery; problems with banks & mortgages; delays at the Land Registry; help with access to information on help with the rise in the cost of living; problems with energy bills; access to Covid booster jabs; flooding; complaints about NHS services; complaints about water companies & sewage discharge; parking penalties; and broadband and connectivity issues.
“I do very much hope this list and range of issues gives you some idea of the workload which I and my small staff have had to deal with and continue to address on a daily basis.
“In terms of voting and speaking in Parliament, although this has – by mutual agreement with the House – paused, I must emphasise that neither Government nor Opposition Whips can ever speak in the House. Ministers, Parliamentary Private Secretaries and Whips (which make up at least 150 MPs from the governing party), plus Opposition Ministers and Whips (another large number), and those of the SNP, Lib Dems etc can never vote against their parties, so more than 250 out of 650 constituencies have no dissenting voice.
“I have, conversely, voted 18 times against the Government since the 2019 election. I know some MPs who have been in the House for more than 20 years and have never voted against their party. I will always exercise and follow my own mind.
“My constituents rightly recognise the very real national issues before us all, and I will continue to exercise my influence in addressing them with the Government. And I cannot express how urgently I look forward to the investigations concluding and to resuming the seat in the Commons which it is my privilege to occupy on your behalf.”
