Guido understands that Tory election guru Mark Clarke, who is at the centre of bullying and blackmail allegations, has been informed that his membership of the Conservative Party has been cancelled for life. Statement from the party to follow…

UPDATE: Confirmed. Full statement from the Tories:

“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.  This means he cannot be a candidate or represent the Party in any way.

Mark Clarke’s Party membership was suspended in September 2015, following allegations of bullying and inappropriate behaviour.

The Party does not tolerate bullying or any other improper behaviour.  Lord Feldman acted immediately to set up an internal disciplinary inquiry as soon as he received the allegations in August 2015, of which he was previously wholly unaware.

Furthermore the Party’s lawyers and the Party Board’s disciplinary committee will continue to investigate complaints received in relations to Roadtrip2015.  Also, it is confirmed that Roadtrip is no longer authorised as a campaigning entity for the Conservative Party.

Going forward, we will ensure that all groups affiliated to the Conservative Party formally adopt the harassment and anti-bullying policy of CCHQ, as contained in the staff handbook.

The Party will continue to make available on an ongoing basis to all Party members and activists the counselling service provided by Westfield Health.”

UPDATE II: Guido understands the Newsnight exposé into Tory bullying is in line to be aired tonight, pending other developing stories.