Tory MP reveals he attempted to take his own life in tearful admission to Commons
A CONSERVATIVE MP has revealed he tried to take his own life in 2021, in an emotional House of Commons speech.
Elliot Colburn, who has represented Carshalton and Wallington since 2019, spoke during this week’s Prime Minister’s Questions.
Recalling his ordeal, he said: “In recent years something like six and a half thousand people die in the UK each year due to suicide and in 2021 I was nearly one of them.
“Luckily my attempt failed. I was found by family members quickly. I received amazing care at St Helier and Springfield hospitals, didn’t do any permanent damage, and was well looked after by the NHS in the months that followed.
“I want to take this chance to say thank you to everyone who saved me, and sorry to my family and loved ones who I put through such an awful ordeal.”
Mr Colburn, 31, began to tear up as he described his feelings in the period leading to his suicide attempt, saying that he “felt alone and scared and like there was no way out”.
His colleagues applauded him after he said that he “didn’t recognise that man anymore”, with some shouting “hear, hear”. Members could also be seen to reach over the pews and tap him on the shoulder in support.
Mr Colburn has previously been a vocal advocate for suicide prevention, but has never before spoken publicly about his attempt three years ago.
In July 2020 he attended a roundtable hosted by Mind, the mental health charity, to discuss the impact of lockdown, and has raised the issue of waiting lists for mental health treatment alongside those for cancer and other physical illness.
Mr Colburn has in the past campaigned for additional funding for the St Helier hospital where he was treated following his suicide attempt.
Rishi Sunak said: “I know the whole House will join me in commending my honourable friend for his bravery in sharing his story. I can assure him that we take this issue incredibly seriously. The new suicide prevention strategy ensures that we will have the actions in place to reduce suicide because we absolutely recognise the impact that it has on people, their families.”