If asked whether they've ever taken drugs, politicians might huff and puff but will rarely give a straight answer. Or even answer at all.
Which is why David Warburton's confession was so unexpected.
Admittedly, he was in a tight spot. A compromising photograph had emerged in which the then Tory MP for Somerton and Frome – who has died suddenly aged 59 – appeared to be contemplating an upturned baking tray bearing four lines of white powder.
So, had he snorted cocaine? It was June 2023, some 15 months after the picture was taken, and Mr Warburton sat opposite me – squirming – in a London hotel. The question hung in the air.
He looked down at his suede shoes and closed his eyes as his fingernails rapped a brisk tattoo against his glass of alcohol-free beer. Then he put his drink down and his hands came together as if in prayer.
