Nigel Evans has been an MP since 1992

Deputy Speaker ‘incredulous’ after rape arrest

Deputy Speaker ‘incredulous’ after rape arrest

By politics.co.uk staff

Deputy Speaker Nigel Evans has said he has a "sense of incredulity" after being arrested on suspicion of rape and sexual assault.

The former Conservative MP firmly denied allegations of rape in 2009 made by two men and thanked police for their sensitive handling of the situation.

Evans, who is a member of Politics.co.uk's editorial board, was released on bail late yesterday evening after being arrested on Saturday morning at his Pendleton home in his Ribble Valley constituency.

"Yesterday I was interviewed by the police concerning two complaints, one of which dates back four years made by two people who are well known to each other and who until yesterday I regarded as friends," Evans said in a statement.

"The complaints are completely false, and I cannot understand why they have been made, especially as I have continued to socialise with one as recently as last week.

"I appreciate the way the police have handled this in such a sensitive manner and I'd like to thank my colleagues, friends and members of the public who have expressed their support and, like me, a sense of incredulity at these events."

He made clear he would not stand down as either an MP or as deputy Speaker.

That raised eyebrows from former shadow Cabinet colleague Philip Hammond, now defence secretary, who said it could be difficult for Evans to remain in the job.

Hammond told BBC1's The Andrew Marr Show: "I stick rigidly to the view we should treat people innocent until they are proven guilty but it is quite difficult to carry out a sensitive, high-profile role while under this kind of scrutiny."

The political world has reacted with surprise to news of the allegations and subsequent arrest.

The chairman of the local Conservative association, Michael Ranson, told Sky News: "Everybody's completely shell-shocked."

Prime minister David Cameron and Commons Speaker John Bercow have been informed of the arrest.

Bercow told the Sunday Mirror newspaper: "It's been a total shock. Nigel is a popular and well-liked character. No one can quite believe what's happened."

Lancashire police released a statement making clear that it is committed "as a constabulary" to "investigating sexual offences sensitively but robustly".

It said: "A 55-year-old man from Pendleton in Lancashire has today, Saturday, 4th May 2013, been arrested by Lancashire Constabulary on suspicion of rape and sexual assault.

"The offences are alleged to have been committed in Pendleton between July 2009 and March 2013.

"We take all allegations of a sexual nature extremely seriously and understand how difficult it can be for victims to have the confidence to come forward."

Evans was originally elected to parliament in 1992 and served in the shadow Cabinet before becoming deputy Speaker in 2010. He revealed he was gay in the same year.

Evans has been bailed until June 19th.