Grant Shapps 'to resign' as David Cameron announces statement over former party chairman's handling of alleged bullying of dead activist

The father of Elliot Johnson, the Tory activist who is believed to have killed himself, has said his son would still be alive if the party had acted on complaints about Mark Clarke's behaviour

Grant Shapps was the Conservative Party Chairman from 2012 to 2015 (Getty Images )

David Cameron says he will make a statement later today about the minister Grant Shapps after claims he failed to act over allegations of bullying by a Tory campaigner when he was party chairman.

The parents of a Conservative party activist who is believed to have killed himself after complaints of bullying by Mark Clarke had earlier called for Mr Shapps to step down.

Ray Johnson has also called for Lord Feldman, the current chairman, to step down after allegations emerged that written complaints about Mark Clarke's behaviour were ignored.

Mr Johnson, whose 21-year-old son Elliott is believed to have killed himself in September, has said his son would still be alive if the party had acted on the complaints of alleged bullying.

Speaking to BBC’s Newsnight, Mr Johnson stated that he believed Mr Clarke, was protected by the party.

“It’s like a quagmire of many people affected adversely and people were being protected and tolerated over what they did to activists. I think Mark Clarke was allowed to do what he did because he was being protected by CCHQ.”

Downing Street released a statement saying David Cameron is taking the allegations very seriously and is awaiting the results of an internal investigation.

Allegations of bullying, sexual assault and intimidation have surrounded the party and Mr Clarke, who has since been banned for life from the Conservative Party.

Mr Clarke strongly denies all allegations of bullying, assault, harassment and attempted blackmail.