British Conservative MP Nigel Evans is to stand aside on a temporary basis as deputy speaker of the House of Commons as he fights “completely false” allegations that he raped one man and sexually assaulted another.
Amid signs that the Commons Speaker John Bercow feared he could inadvertently overshadow the Queen's speech on Wednesday, when the government's legislative programme is unveiled, it was agreed the deputy speaker would be excused from his duties on a temporary basis.
But Mr Evans, who vehemently denies the allegations, plans to travel to the House of Commons, where he is a popular figure on all sides of the chamber.
Friends rallied round Evans yesterday and called for him to be allowed to continue as deputy speaker, with the former shadow home affairs minister David Davis warning politicians could be open to "blackmail" if they have to resign on the basis of allegations.
Mr Davis said: “Nigel Evans should not resign or stand down as deputy speaker. He has not yet even been charged, let alone tried and convicted. If we allow the habit to develop that senior people in public life have to stand down on the basis of allegations, it is scope for all sorts of pressures, or even blackmail. That would be unhealthy. I find it impossible to believe the allegations.”
Mr Evans had initially let it be known that he would like to report for duty as deputy speaker for the Queen’s speech. But it was later reported Mr Bercow had agreed to a request that he be excused during the Queen’s speech debates, which will continue for some days, as a result of the “inevitable added time pressure” on him.
Time out
It is understood Mr Bercow suggested that Mr Evans should be given the chance to offer to take time out.
Mr Evans (55), who was first elected as Tory MP for Ribble Valley in 1992, emphatically denied the allegations. Speaking to reporters in the garden of the village pub beside his home in Pendleton, near Clitheroe, Lancashire, northwest England, he said: “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.
“The allegations are completely false and I can’t 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.”
The MP had initially decided to say nothing after his statement. But he spoke again after lunch at the Swan with Two Necks pub, where he is a regular, after he was overwhelmed by supporters who came up to him in the pub and by cards from wellwishers.
Worst hours
Mr Evans said it had been – notwithstanding the "very recent loss" of his brother – "the worst 24 hours of my life". But he thanked his friends and supporters for their support. He also paid tribute to his "wonderful" village and for all the messages of support he had received on Facebook.
He added: “I am so grateful and it’s that support that is really helping me get through this. I would just like to thank, from the bottom of my heart, everyone who has sent me a message. Thank you very much.”
Lancashire police arrested Mr Evans on Saturday over allegations that he raped one man and sexually assaulted another man between July 2009 and March this year. He has been released on bail until June 19th.
Mr Evans announced in 2010 that he was gay a few months after he topped the poll of Tory MPs for the party's nominee for deputy speaker. He told the Mail on Sunday he was tired of living a lie and spoke of struggling with his sexuality in south Wales, where he grew up.
Brian Binley, the traditionally-minded Tory MP for Northampton South, who is his flatmate, said: “Nigel is a good human being. He is seen as a good person on all sides. We make good flatmates. We don’t bother each other very much. We get on very well together. We are good friends.”
Philip Hammond, the defence minister, said he was "very shocked" by the allegations, but suggested it would be difficult for Mr Evans to continue in the "sensitive and high-profile role" as deputy speaker while he fights the allegations. – (Guardian service)