David Warburton the former MP for Somerton and Frome,, will face reinvestigation regarding allegations of sexual misconduct, according to a report by the Independent Expert Panel (IEP).

The ex-MP for Somerton and Frome, who resigned in June, had been accused of breaching the UK Parliament's Sexual Misconduct Policy.

The IEP, formed by a resolution of the House of Commons in June 2020, is tasked with hearing appeals and deciding on sanctions in cases involving allegations of sexual misconduct and bullying against MPs.

They also hear appeals against decisions by the Committee on Standards in cases of alleged breaches of the Code of Conduct for MPs.

Warburton's case was referred to the IEP by the Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards following an investigation that upheld three allegations of sexual misconduct.

However, the panel decided that the initial investigation was flawed and that the Commissioner's decision was procedurally unsound, necessitating a reinvestigation.

Although Warburton announced his intention to resign as an MP on 17 June, the panel had already decided to uphold the appeal and order a reinvestigation on 14 June.

The parties involved were informed of the decision on 4 July, although the entire written decision is yet to be released.

The case will now be re-examined in a new investigation, marking another chapter in a year-long process.

The panel stressed the importance of confidentiality for the reinvestigation process, warning that further breaches could impact the conclusions on credibility. Despite the breaches, the Panel reiterated its commitment to fairness, transparency, and natural justice.

The original investigation drew significant media attention, with allegations that Warburton had accepted loans, taken drugs, and made sexual advances to young women.

Warburton, who has since appeared on local television, labelled the allegations against him as part of an "orchestrated smear campaign", hinting at possible Russian involvement. He admitted to using cocaine, describing his actions as "naïve" and "incredibly stupid".