Tory activist sacked over bullying claims after Sandy trainline death

Police are investigating the death of Elliott Johnson, 21, amid claims that he was bullied by Tory party activists.

At the opening of his inquest Bedfordshire coroner Tom Osborne revealed that Mr Johnson, who was a member of Conservative Future and had been working for the campaign group Conservative Way Forward, left behind a note which suggested he had been a victim of bullying.

Following his death a party member was suspended.

Mark Clarke, who ran the Prime Minister’s ‘Road Trip’ election campaign for young Tories has now been ejected from the party and banned for life, amid claims of bullying and blackmail.

Mr Clarke strongly denies the allegations

A statement from Conservative headquarters this week said: “In the light of information that has come to our knowledge this week, Mark Clarke’s membership of the Conservative Party has been cancelled for life.”

Friends paying tribute to Mr Johnson online, alleged that he had been bullied in recent months.

It has been reported that Mr Johnson left a note in his bedroom bearing the names of party members and activists alleged to have bullied him. A file for the coroner is currently being prepared by British Transport Police (BTP).

Donal Blaney, chairman of Conservative Way Forward, said: “Elliott was a talented and enthusiastic blogger who had the potential to become a campaigning conservative journalist.

“I can only imagine the turmoil that he must have been in to feel that he had no hope and no choice other than to end his life so tragically young.”

A tribute from his family stated: “Elliott was pursuing a successful start to a career in political journalism in London. This was Elliott’s dream and he was excited at a number of new opportunities on the horizon.

“He was caring and loyal to family and friends and will be irreplaceable to everyone who knew and cared for him.”