Tory MP David Warburton has been admitted to a psychiatric hospital to be treated for shock and stress as an investigation is conducted into allegations about his behaviour.
In a statement given to the BBC, the MP for Somerton and Frome’s wife Harriet confirmed the news and said there was “no further comment to make”.
It follows the news that Mr Warburton faces an investigation by Parliament’s Independent Complaints and Grievance Scheme (ICGS) over claims relating to his conduct. The allegations were published by the Sunday Times and Mr Warburton has issued a vigorous denial.
The Sunday Times reported that two women had made formal complaints to the ICGS about Mr Warburton’s behaviour and a third woman had also made allegations about his conduct.
The allegations reported by the newspaper relate to sexual misconduct and a claim he had taken cocaine.
The Standard attempted to reach Mr Warburton for comment on Saturday evening.
He is cited as telling The Telegraph: “I have enormous amounts of defence, but unfortunately the way that 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.”
A spokesperson for the Whips Office said: “David Warburton MP has had the Conservative Party whip removed while the investigation is ongoing.”
Mr Warburton, a former music teacher and businessman, was elected as an MP for Somerton and Frome in 2015.
