Clifford Chance partner Simon Davis has been instructed by the Conservative party to oversee its investigation into allegations of bullying in the party.

The instruction follows criticism the internal inquiry, previously led by barrister Edward Legard, was not independent. Davis has been brought in to oversee a new inquiry and report to the party board, which will then decide whether to take disciplinary action.

The evidence gathering by the party, including interviews with 40 witnesses, will complete early next year with Clifford Chance’s recommendations to follow soon afterwards.

simon davis clifford chance
Simon Davis

The Conservative party will publish the main findings and recommendations.

Davis’ instruction follows his high-profile mandate to review the Financial Conduct Authority’s (FCA) role in a leaked announcement to the Telegraph newspaper in April 2014, which wiped billions of pounds from the value of life insurers.

The FCA paid Clifford Chance £2.04m for the damning report, in which Davis branded the watchdog’s actions “seriously inadequate”.

The Conservatives launched an internal inquiry following the death of young party activist Elliott Johnson in September. His death has led to an ongoing investigation by the British Transport police and the expulsion from the party of Mark Clarke, who has been implicated in the allegations.

A full inquest into Johnson’s death and allegations of bullying in the party is expected to take place after the police investigation and any subsequent trials.