Tory MP in tears as he bravely reveals how he tried to take his own life before being found by his family
A TORY MP was moved to tears in the House of Commons as he bravely revealed how he attempted suicide during a dark chapter of his life.
With unflinching honesty, Elliot Colburn stood up at Prime Minister's Questions in front of fellow MPs and recalled how he once thought the "world would be better off" without him.
He thanked his family and loved ones for saving him but also apologised to them for putting them through "such an awful ordeal".
The MP for Carshalton and Wallington then asked Rishi Sunak to send a message to those struggling with their mental health.
He said: “February marks emotional health, boost your self-esteem and children’s mental health month. In recent years something like 6,500 people die in the UK each year due to suicide.
“In 2021 I was nearly one of them.
READ MORE ON POLITICS
“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.
“In that moment, I felt alone and scared, and like there was no way out, and that the world would be better off without me in it.”
Visibly upset, Mr Colburn added: “I don’t recognise that man any more. I know that nothing is ever really worth that, help really is out there, and I am pretty awesome.
Most read in The Sun
You're Not Alone
EVERY 90 minutes in the UK a life is lost to suicide
It doesn’t discriminate, touching the lives of people in every corner of society – from the homeless and unemployed to builders and doctors, reality stars and footballers.
It’s the biggest killer of people under the age of 35, more deadly than cancer and car crashes.
And men are three times more likely to take their own life than women.
Yet it’s rarely spoken of, a taboo that threatens to continue its deadly rampage unless we all stop and take notice, now.
That is why The Sun launched the You’re Not Alone campaign.
The aim is that by sharing practical advice, raising awareness and breaking down the barriers people face when talking about their mental health, we can all do our bit to help save lives.
Let’s all vow to ask for help when we need it, and listen out for others… You’re Not Alone.
If you, or anyone you know, needs help dealing with mental health problems, the following organisations provide support:
- CALM, , 0800 585 858
- Heads Together,
- HUMEN
- Mind, , 0300 123 3393
- Papyrus,, 0800 068 41 41
- Samaritans,, 116 123
“Does the Prime Minister agree that one death by suicide is one too many?
“And will he send a message from the despatch box today that whatever you are going through, you are not alone, that help is out there, and better days lie ahead?”
After Mr Colburn sat down and started wiping off some of his tears, a few fellow Tories were seen patting him on the shoulder and comforting him.
Mr Sunak commended him for his "bravery" and said the Government takes the issue "incredibly seriously".
He added: “The new suicide prevention strategy ensures that we will have the actions in place to reduce suicide over the next years, because we absolutely recognise the impact that it has on people, their families, and we should do everything we can to prevent that from happening.”
My view - Kate Ferguson, Political Editor Sun on Sunday
THERE were moving scenes in parliament today when Tory MP Elliot Colburn opened up about his suicide attempt.
Visibly emotional, the 31 year-old revealed how he tried to take his own life in 2021 - just two years after being elected.
Recalling the traumatic events in PMQs as his family sat up in the public gallery above, he said he was “nearly one” of the 6,500 people who die in the UK every year due to suicide.
He appeared to wipe a tear away as he sat back down in his place and was comforted by colleagues sitting near him.
PM Rishi Sunak rightly hailed his courage, which has brought the usually boisterous Commons to a rare moment of silence.
Recently, many MPs have used the chamber of the House of Commons to speak candidly about their traumatic experiences - like the death of a child, an abusive partner or a cancer diagnosis.
Parliament is at its best when politicians put away their squabbles and unite in a show of common humanity.
MPs should remember that more often.
- If you are affected by any of the issues raised in this article, please call the Samaritans for free on 116123.