It’s all go in Portsmouth. A member of the investigating committee, who has just referred Mike Hancock to a full investigation over allegations of sexual assault against a vulnerable constituent, has spoken out this afternoon: “Hancock is a guilty as a puppy sitting next a pile of poo.” They added “it is f**king horrific.” Guido is told that LibDems on the committee have complained that they have come under huge amounts of pressure to exonerate Hancock, based on the fact the police and CPS dropped the investigation. Guido will show at a later date why this logic is flawed.

Guido is also told that ambitious Gerald Vernon Jackson, the LibDem leader of the council is about to imminently call an emergency meeting, where it is claimed he will begin to distance himself from the de-whipped MP.  After years of standing by his side.

An official on Portsmouth Council, who was clearly distressed and wishes to remain anonymous, tells Guido: “the evidence is so damning that questions will be asked shortly about how the CPS could ever have dropped this case.” They added:

“This is like the decision not to prosecute Jimmy Savile, I just hope that no one else gets hurt while Hancock is still on the loose. The man is dangerous.”

Tick, tock, Handy-cock.

UPDATE: Despite being the 22nd most influential LibDem, Guido understands Vernon Jackson is missing conference to deal with this mess.