Apology for breach

An MP has apologised after failing to declare a £150,000 loan from a Russian-born businessman.

David Warburton was found to have twice breached the MPS’ code of conduct by neglecting to register or declare the payment he received from Roman Joukovski, in 2017.

The MP for Somerton and Frome came under scrutiny after it was reported that he provided a favourable reference of Mr Joukovski to the Financial Conduct Authority in March 2021, prior to the full repayment of the loan, describing him as “extremely capable and an honest and straightforward person”.

It was alleged that the MP’S actions amounted to paid advocacy.