An investigation by Clifford Chance into bullying within the Conservative party has uncovered 13 alleged victims.

The firm was engaged by the party at the end of last year after Elliott Johnson, a young party activist, killed himself. Johnson left a note saying that Mark Clarke, an election aide in the party, had bullied him. It subsequently emerged that more than 25 people had accused Clarke of intimidation, sexual harassment or blackmail.

Clifford Chance had links with the Tory party and Johnson's father said that the investigation was likely to be a whitewash. However his fears don't now seem founded, as the firm's excoriating report found that:

  • there were 13 alleged victims of Clarke between 1st January 2014 and 14th August 2015;
  • six of these included allegations of sexual assault;
  • there was no proper mechanism for party members to complain; and
  • senior members of the party had long had concerns about Clarke.

Sir Patrick McLoughlin, Chairman of the Conservative Party, said that the findings of the report would all be addressed and he was "grateful to Clifford Chance for the thorough and timely way in which they have conducted this investigation". A hotline for alleged victims of abuse is being set up.

    Mark Clarke


Clarke declined to participate in Clifford Chance's investigation. His solicitor said that "the allegations made against Mr Clarke in the Clifford Chance report are wholly untrue and unsubstantiated. Many are based on totally fabricated media reports. All these allegations are vehemently denied".
 

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Comments

Anonymous 26 August 16 00:51

But Central Office still has the norty pics. Until they give them up ROF's Tories will never be free.