The Clifford Chance inquiry into Tory bullying has descended into farce after the law firm admitted that whistleblowers’ identities may not be protected. In a letter to witnesses, Clifford Chance repeatedly say they can only “try” not to reveal their identities to other key players and the public, but concede “we cannot guarantee this will be possible“. One of the main concerns with the original CCHQ inquiry was that whistleblowers’ names could get back to the alleged Tory bullies. Now the new inquiry admits point blank that could happen. 

Several witnesses who received the letters have told Guido they will not be submitting evidence to the inquiry as a result. The Clifford Chance probe has already been boycotted by the Johnson family. Three top Magic Circle lawyers are working for several months at huge cost to the Tory party, and their inquiry is a joke…