What killed David Warburton? Ex-Tory MP found dead in London home

Former Member of Parliament David Warburton has passed away at the age of 59. The one-time Conservative representative for Somerton and Frome in Somerset, who served from 2015 until his resignation in 2023, was found dead at his west London home.

Emergency services were called to Chelsea Crescent in Sands End on August 26, where police officers and paramedics confirmed the discovery of a man in his 50s. The Metropolitan Police later confirmed that while the death was “unexpected,” it is not being treated as suspicious. His family has been informed.

Warburton stepped down from Parliament in June 2023 after a prolonged investigation by the Independent Complaints and Grievance Scheme (ICGS). He admitted to using cocaine but consistently denied allegations of sexual misconduct. The 14-month probe, which he claimed had deprived him of a fair hearing, led him to resign, triggering a by-election.

That election was won by Liberal Democrat Sarah Dyke, though the constituency itself disappeared following boundary changes implemented during the last general election.

Despite the controversies that clouded his later career, Warburton had earlier carved out a reputation as a dynamic parliamentarian and a dedicated constituency MP.

Who is David Warburton?

David Warburton (1964–2024) was a British Conservative politician, entrepreneur, and musician whose career spanned several fields before he entered the political arena.

Early Life and Education

Born in 1964, Warburton grew up in Hampshire. He studied music at the Royal College of Music and King’s College, London, before pursuing postgraduate studies at Lincoln College, Oxford. His early years reflected a deep interest in both the arts and academia, laying the foundation for a career that would straddle culture, business, and public service.

Career Before Politics

Before entering Parliament, Warburton worked as a composer and teacher. He later moved into business, co-founding Pitch Entertainment Group, a digital media company specializing in mobile entertainment, in the early 2000s. The company expanded internationally, earning him recognition as a successful entrepreneur before it was acquired in 2008.

Political Career

Warburton entered politics as a member of the Conservative Party and was elected as MP for Somerton and Frome in the 2015 general election, defeating the Liberal Democrat incumbent. In Parliament, he served on committees and was an advocate for economic growth, business innovation, and local infrastructure. He also campaigned for improvements to broadband and mobile connectivity in rural areas—an issue that resonated deeply with his Somerset constituency.

He won re-election in 2017 and 2019, establishing himself as a strong Conservative presence in the region.

Scandal and Resignation

His career took a dramatic turn in 2022 when allegations of sexual misconduct and drug use surfaced. While Warburton admitted to using cocaine, he categorically denied the sexual misconduct claims. He was suspended from the Conservative Party whip, pending investigations.

After a lengthy 14-month probe, Warburton resigned in June 2023, citing an unfair process and saying he had “no choice” but to step down. His departure triggered a by-election, which was won by Liberal Democrat candidate Sarah Dyke.

Later Life and Death

Following his resignation, Warburton largely retreated from public life. On August 26, 2025, he was found dead at his home in Sands End, west London. Police ruled the death as “unexpected but not suspicious.” He was 59.

Legacy

David Warburton’s career encapsulates both achievement and controversy. From his beginnings as a musician and entrepreneur to his years as a Conservative MP, he left a complex legacy marked by service to his constituency but overshadowed by scandal. His passing closes a chapter on a figure who had once been seen as a rising star in Parliament.