Tara Mewawalla
TW: This article discusses sexual harassment and abuse.
After “allegations of inappropriate behaviour” , the Tory backbencher David Warbuton has been suspended while those allegations are investigated.
The MP for Somerton and Frome is currently being investigated by Parliament’s Independent Complaints and Grievance Scheme (ICGS). The committee purports to be the first of its kind in any parliament globally and aims to tackle “inappropriate behaviour” in the parliamentary workplace. It was established following the aftermath of the #metoo movement and after revelations of sexual harassment and abuse in Parliament.
“It is understood the reports came from two parliamentary aides, accusing Mr Warburton of unwanted sexual comments and sexual touching”
Following an investigation by the Sunday Times, the Telegraph wrote that the ICGS had received a report claiming Mr Warburton had behaved inappropriately. It is understood the reports came from two parliamentary aides, accusing Mr Warburton of unwanted sexual comments and sexual touching. A third woman also came forward, who is understood to have met the MP through politics. He was pictured at her house allegedly sitting next to lines of cocaine, according to the Sunday Times.
The third woman alleges she was drunk at the time and as she became less intoxicated, she started to feel uncomfortable about being alone with Mr Warburton. She said that she went into her bedroom, where he followed her and climbed into bed with her, naked. She also said she repeatedly told him that she did not want to have sex with him but that he groped her breasts and ground his body against hers.
“He has been advised to stay away from Parliament while the investigation is ongoing”
A spokesperson for the Whips Office said that the party whip had been removed pending the investigation’s results. This means that the MP has been expelled from the party but that he will keep his seat. Warburton will sit as an independent in the chamber, at least until the whip is restored, if indeed it is. He has been advised to stay away from Parliament while the investigation is ongoing.
The married father of two briefly commented to the Sunday Times: “I have enormous amounts of defence, but unfortunately the way 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.”
The MP has since been admitted to a psychiatric hospital where he is being treated for shock and stress.
In the 2015 general election, Mr Warburton was originally elected into Parliament with a majority of 20,268 (53% of the vote). He was re-elected in 2017 with a majority of 22,906 and again in 2019, with a majority of 19,213.
Having formally worked as a music teacher and having established his own entertainment business, the MP currently sits as the chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Music. As one of many MPs who receive income as a landlord, Warburton also voted against a proposed bill to make it a legal requirement that private landlords ensure their properties are fit for habitation.
If you or anyone you know has been affected by sexual harassment or abuse, please find helpful resources here.
Image by Shane Rounce via Unsplash. Image license found here. No changes have been made to this image.
Tara Mewawalla
I am a 21-year-old recent English Literature graduate. I am currently doing a Masters in Gender Studies at LSE and my writing interests include gender and race inequality, culture, and global news.