Somerton and Frome MP David Warburton has Tory whip withdrawn pending investigation into allegations about his conduct

An MP has had the Tory whip withdrawn pending an investigation into allegations about his conduct.

Claims about Somerton and Frome MP David Warburton are being examined by Parliament’s Independent Complaints and Grievance Scheme (ICGS).

The scheme is the first of its kind in any parliament in the world and aims to tackle “inappropriate behaviour” within the parliamentary workplace.

The Telegraph said the ICGS received a report claiming the MP had behaved inappropriately.

It follows an investigation by the Sunday Times newspaper.

Mr Warburton, who sits on the backbenches, is reported to deny any wrongdoing.

The Telegraph cited the MP as saying: “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.”

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A spokesperson for the Whips Office confirmed that the Conservative whip had been removed from Mr Warburton while an investigation takes place.

Mr Warburton was first elected in 2015 with a majority of 20,268, or 53% of the vote. According to the MP’s website, at 18.3%, this represented the largest constituency swing to the Conservative Party.

He was re-elected in 2017 and 2019, with majorities of 22,906 and 19,213, respectively.

He is the current chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Music and was previously a member of the Commons European Scrutiny Committee.