FROME town councillors unanimously passed a vote of no confidence in Frome MP David Warburton, who is under investigation following allegations of sexual misconduct, financial misconduct and drug taking.
At the full town council meeting on Wednesday 22nd February, councillor Fiona Barrows put forward the motion “that Frome Town Council considers that the lack of proper MP representation has existed for far too long, it has no confidence in our MP David Warburton and accordingly it requests that he resigns to allow a by-election to take place. That this report be forwarded to all other parishes in the constituency for their information.”
Increasingly concerned
At the meeting, cllr Fiona Barrow, who had written the motion, along with cllr Mel Usher, read the following summary, “The town council very rarely comments on national matters, or even issues outside of Frome, but we have grown increasingly concerned about the lack of representation from our MP, David Warburton.
“We have therefore decided to make this exception. The role of an MP is to represent the interests and concerns of their constituents in the House of Commons. Somerton and Frome’s current MP, David Warburton, has not voted in parliament for over 10 months and has not spoken in parliament for over 12 months.
“In April last year, allegations of drug-taking and sexual misconduct were made against him, and an investigation into these is ongoing. In addition, he is now facing further allegations of financial misconduct. The people of Frome deserve and need, especially during the current cost-of-living crisis, effective, committed and transparent representation in parliament in line with the Nolan Principles.”*
Represented effectively
Their statement concluded, “To be clear, this report is not a judgement on Warburton’s politics. He was elected in 2019 with 55.8% of the vote, and a majority of 19,213. We respect his mandate, even if he now stands as an Independent having been elected as a Conservative. Nor is it in our remit to comment or judge him on the allegations currently made against him.
“However, as a Town Council, and the closest layer of government to our community, we are committed to making sure that the people of Frome are represented effectively, in a timely manner and with integrity.”
MP David Warburton sent his apologies and a summary of his statement was read out on his behalf by town clerk Paul Wynne. The statement began, “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.”
The MP also stated, “Together with my hardworking office team, however, I have been working for local people throughout this time and I continue to represent them at all levels.”
David Warbuton MP’s full statement is included in the article ‘Suspended MP granted proxy vote amid ongoing investigation’ on page 2 of this issue of Frome Times. Last week, the MP was granted a proxy vote, which means that another MP is able to vote on his behalf in the House of Commons.
Discussing the proposed vote of no confidence, cllr Mel Usher said, “We’ve had 12 months of silence and suddenly in 24 hours we’ve got the first letter that we’ve had. A proxy vote has been agreed within that time period. The local and regional media are beginning to show more attention and it’s not just the Sunday Times. I support the motion.”
Cllr Tracey Ashford said, “A resident in my ward sent four emails to him last year and has not had a response to any of them. I fully endorse this.”
Leader of Frome Town Council, cllr Anita Collier said, “I feel it’s extraordinary when you think we are about to launch into a totally different governmental system and going straight to having a Somerset Council – that’s an area our local MP should be very interested in and helping us with. You would think he would make a bigger effort at this stage to contact the town and parish councils in the constituency to see what help is needed with that.”
Chair of Langport Town Council, cllr Sean Dromgoole, also attended the meeting, explaining that Langport is also considering a vote of no confidence in their MP, David Warburton. He said, “I really hope and urge that you adopt this motion and Langport is going to try and do the same.”
Cllr Martin Dimery, Somerset County Council and Green Party parliamentary candidate said, “It’s useful to know Langport are intending to do this, and you need to put pressure on other towns in Somerton and Frome.”
Sarah Dyke, Liberal Democrat parliamentary candidate for Somerton and Frome said, “”This vote of no confidence proves that there is a growing sense right across the constituency that Somerton and Frome are being taken for granted and that we need a new voice in parliament to speak up for us. This can only be done through a hardworking local champion.
“The people of Somerton and Frome deserve better than an MP missing in action. They deserve a strong voice in Westminster, an MP who will stand up for local communities.”
Following the meeting, local residents took to social media to largely voice their support of the town council’s decision. One resident said, “Well done Frome Town Council; the current situation cannot go on any longer.” Another added, “Thank you for taking this action. Let’s hope it makes an impact.” Others called for neighbouring councils in the constituency to follow in Frome’s lead and do the same.
* Under the Nolan Principles, all holders of public office are required to abide by the seven principles of public life. This includes everyone from parish and town councillors right up to MPs, Cabinet Members and the Prime Minister. The principles are; selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty and leadership. For further details, see the GovUK website.
