A VOTE of no confidence in MP David Warburton was passed unanimously by a town council.

Members of Frome Town Council (FTC) backed a motion during a meeting on February 22 amid a series of investigations into the Conservative MP, including allegations of drug taking, financial and sexual misconduct – all of which he denies.

However, after having the whip withdrawn by the Conservative Party, Mr Warburton currently sits as an independent, though has not voted in parliament for over 10 months.

A report for FTC at the meeting said: “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.”

The Nolan Principles are the seven principles of public life; selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty and leadership.

Mr Warburton responded with a statement to the council, which said: “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.”

He said despite not attending parliament while the investigations continue, he had ‘been working for local people throughout this time and I continue to represent them at all levels’.

He said he had dealt with more than 1,000 pieces of casework for people in Frome and was in ‘continual contact’ with ministers.

However, after hearing the statement, FTC voted unanimously to back the motion of no confidence.