Jump directly to the content
TORY SUICIDE SCANDAL

Dad threatens to sue Conservatives after coroner rules on death of son Elliott

Suicide note claims he was 'bullied' and 'betrayed' by fellow campaigners within party before his death

A FORMER Tory high-flier told an activist he would “crush him like an ant” a month before the youngster killed himself, an inquest heard yesterday.

“Tatler Tory” Mark Clarke also threatened to wreck 21-year-old Elliott Johnson’s political career after going “ballistic” at him in a pub, it was said.

Young Tory activist, Elliott Johnson, committed suicide after claiming to be “bullied” by Mark Clarke
2
Young Tory activist, Elliott Johnson, committed suicide after claiming to be 'bullied' by Mark ClarkeCredit: SWNS - Cambridge

A week later Elliott lost his £23,000-a-year job. Three weeks after that he died under a train in Sandy, Beds.

His father Ray, 58, said Elliott had been under intense pressure from Mr Clarke, Tory journalist Andre Walker, who claimed to have dated Elliott, and campaign group Conservative Way Forward.

“Tatler Tory”, Mark Clarke, is claimed to have threatened to crush Elliott “like an ant” during rant at the 21-year-old in a pub
2
'Tatler Tory', Mark Clarke, is claimed to have threatened to crush Elliott 'like an ant' during rant at the 21-year-old in a pubCredit: PA:Press Association

The hearing in Ampthill, Beds, was told Elliott left a note claiming: “I have been bullied by Mark Clarke and betrayed by Andre Walker. All my political bridges are burnt.”

His family said the row, redundancy and death were linked, but that was rejected by the coroner who recorded a suicide verdict.

Afterwards Mr Johnson Snr vowed to take legal action. Mr Clarke, since expelled, and Mr Walker deny wrong-doing.