MP broke paid advocacy rules over Russian loan

MP David Warburton broke rules over a £150,000 loan he received from a Russian businessman, the parliamentary watchdog has found. Mr Warburton, who was suspended by the Tory party, was found to have twice breached the MPS’ code of conduct by neglecting to declare a payment made in 2017 by Roman Joukovski.

The MP for Somerton and Frome provided a favourable reference for Mr Joukovski to the Financial Conduct Authority in March 2021, describing him as “extremely capable” and “honest”. Kathryn Stone, the Commissioner for Standards, said his actions amounted to paid advocacy.