Former Conservative MP David Warburton Found Dead at 59
Published 1 September 2025
Highlights
- Former Conservative MP David Warburton, aged 59, was found dead in a west London flat on August 26, 2023.
- Warburton resigned in June 2023 following allegations of sexual misconduct and drug use, which he denied.
- The Metropolitan Police are treating his death as "unexpected but not suspicious."
- Warburton's resignation led to a by-election won by Liberal Democrat Sarah Dyke.
- The House of Commons investigation into Warburton's conduct was closed in July 2023.
-
Rewritten Article
Former Conservative MP David Warburton Found Dead at 59
David Warburton, a former Conservative MP for the Somerton and Frome constituency, was found dead in his west London flat on August 26, 2023. The Metropolitan Police have confirmed that the 59-year-old's death is being treated as "unexpected but not suspicious." Paramedics discovered Warburton's body after being called to the Chelsea address.
Warburton's political career was marred by controversy, leading to his resignation in June 2023. He had been suspended by the Conservative Party in April 2022 amid allegations of sexual misconduct and drug use. Although he denied the allegations, he admitted to taking cocaine after consuming "incredibly potent" Japanese whisky. The House of Commons Independent Expert Panel later closed its investigation into his conduct in July 2023, with Warburton expressing relief but acknowledging the personal toll on his family.
Warburton first became an MP in 2015, representing the Somerset constituency and securing a significant swing to the Conservatives. He was re-elected in 2019 with a majority of over 19,000 votes. His resignation triggered a by-election, which was won by Liberal Democrat candidate Sarah Dyke. The constituency was subsequently abolished due to boundary changes effective from the 2024 general election.
Colleagues and friends have expressed their condolences, with former Conservative MP Marcus Fysh describing Warburton as a "steadfast colleague and defender of Somerset and Britain." Despite the controversies, Warburton was known for his passion for his constituents and his flair for words.
-
Scenario Analysis
The unexpected death of David Warburton raises questions about the pressures faced by public figures embroiled in scandal. While the police have ruled out suspicious circumstances, the impact of the allegations and subsequent investigation on Warburton's mental health may come under scrutiny. Politically, the by-election result and the boundary changes that followed his resignation have reshaped the political landscape in Somerset, potentially influencing future electoral strategies for both the Conservative and Liberal Democrat parties. As the political community reflects on Warburton's legacy, discussions around the support systems available to MPs facing personal and professional challenges may gain prominence.
David Warburton, a former Conservative MP for the Somerton and Frome constituency, was found dead in his west London flat on August 26, 2023. The Metropolitan Police have confirmed that the 59-year-old's death is being treated as "unexpected but not suspicious." Paramedics discovered Warburton's body after being called to the Chelsea address.
Warburton's political career was marred by controversy, leading to his resignation in June 2023. He had been suspended by the Conservative Party in April 2022 amid allegations of sexual misconduct and drug use. Although he denied the allegations, he admitted to taking cocaine after consuming "incredibly potent" Japanese whisky. The House of Commons Independent Expert Panel later closed its investigation into his conduct in July 2023, with Warburton expressing relief but acknowledging the personal toll on his family.
Warburton first became an MP in 2015, representing the Somerset constituency and securing a significant swing to the Conservatives. He was re-elected in 2019 with a majority of over 19,000 votes. His resignation triggered a by-election, which was won by Liberal Democrat candidate Sarah Dyke. The constituency was subsequently abolished due to boundary changes effective from the 2024 general election.
Colleagues and friends have expressed their condolences, with former Conservative MP Marcus Fysh describing Warburton as a "steadfast colleague and defender of Somerset and Britain." Despite the controversies, Warburton was known for his passion for his constituents and his flair for words.
What this might mean
The unexpected death of David Warburton raises questions about the pressures faced by public figures embroiled in scandal. While the police have ruled out suspicious circumstances, the impact of the allegations and subsequent investigation on Warburton's mental health may come under scrutiny. Politically, the by-election result and the boundary changes that followed his resignation have reshaped the political landscape in Somerset, potentially influencing future electoral strategies for both the Conservative and Liberal Democrat parties. As the political community reflects on Warburton's legacy, discussions around the support systems available to MPs facing personal and professional challenges may gain prominence.
