LOCAL MP, David Warburton, has revealed that he has secured a proxy vote which he says will “immediately give Frome a vote once again in the House.”
The MP was suspended from the Conservative Party 11 months ago amid allegations of sexual harassment and drug abuse – which he denies.
The proxy vote allows another MP to vote in the House of Commons on his behalf. A vote by proxy is usually only given in specific circumstances such as if an MP is going to be a new parent, and it only usually lasts seven months according to the UK Parliament website.
A statement from David Warburton reads, “I entirely understand the concern of some in Frome that I have been prevented from attending or voting in Parliament since claims were first published in the media last April, and again recently.
“Complaints are being investigated, and some have concluded, but the process continues. In their recent annual report, the UK Parliament’s Independent Complaints and Grievances Scheme (ICGS) confirmed an average of 262 days for complaints to be resolved. In my case, it has been almost a year. This, I agree, is far, far too long and it’s an immensely frustrating condition of the investigation process that I am not allowed to comment in any way on the investigation until it is concluded.
“The Speaker of the House is currently considering allowing me a proxy vote which, if given, will immediately give Frome a vote once again in the House.”
The MP has been criticised locally with Frome residents saying they are concerned that they are not being represented on a national level as a result of him having the whip removed. The MP insists that he has been busy dealing with casework directly related to the town.
His statement continues, “Together with my hardworking office team, I have been working for local people throughout this time and I continue to represent them at all levels. During the past year, I have in fact dealt with well over 1,000 pieces of casework for the people of Frome alone and corresponded with them on more than 500 policy questions.
“I am in continual contact with Ministers and since September, I have submitted 56 official parliamentary written questions to government on behalf of local people.”
To view the full list of issues Warburton has been dealing with over the past 11 months, visit his website: www.davidwarburton.org.uk
He has previously told the Frome Times that he intends to stand for Parliament at the next election following the Boundary Commission’s proposal to split the Somerton and Frome constituency in two.
In a meeting of Frome Town Council, held on Wednesday 22nd February, councillors unanimously supported a vote of no confidence in the local MP.
