Shapps quits amid Tory bullying claims

Grant Shapps, who has resigned amid allegations he failed to deal with allegations of bullying within the Conservative Party.

Shapps was party chairman until May’s general election, and has been accused of failing to act on claims of bullying and abusive behavior in the Conservatives’ youth wing.

WHEN Elliott Johnson, a 21-year-old Tory activist, was found lifeless on a Bedfordshire railway track in September, few could have predicted that what at first seemed a personal tragedy would turn into a national scandal.

Youth organiser Mark Clarke has rejected allegations of bullying, sexual assault and intimidation.

Clarke has already been removed from the Conservative Party as part of the investigation into the bullying claims, and denies any wrongdoing.

But Clarke, who ran the party’s successful Road Trip campaign in the run-up to the election, was allegedly protected by Shapps.

International Development Minister Mr Shapps was sent a complaint about Mr Clarke by former Tory Party chairman Sayeeda Warsi in January.

Nick Hurd, who David Cameron sacked as Minister for Civil Society in 2014, last night replaced Mr Shapps at worldwide development.

Pressure is now mounting on David Cameron and his tennis pal Lord Andrew Feldman – current Tory Party chairman – to explain what they knew about Clarke’s behaviour.

Johnson claimed to have been bullied by Clarke and others.

Reacting to Mr Shapps’ resignation Ray Johnson told BBC Newsnight reporter James Clayton: “I’m pleased he’s taken the correct decision”. It is an appalling loss to suffer. In terms of what the Conservative party should do, there should be and there is a proper inquiry that asks all the questions as people come forward.

The Prime Minister said an independent lawyer would oversee the inquiry process.

Yesterday at a dramatic press conference in Malta Mr Cameron refused to offer any support to Mr Shapps.

In his formal response to Mr Shapps resignation the PM praised him for making a “big contribution” and said the MP for Welwyn and Hatfield had “much more to give in the years ahead”.

“It’s about time, he should have resigned several weeks ago”.