Nigel Evans: (UK) Deputy Speaker accused of rape will stand aside from Queen's Speech duties

(UK) Telegraph ^ | May 5, 2013 | Rowena Mason

[Zakeet]

Nigel Evans, the Deputy Speaker of the House of Commons, will stand aside from his ceremonial role in the Queen's Speech after he was arrested on suspicion of rape and sexual assault.

Mr Evans, who strongly denies the allegations, asked the Speaker to be excused from chairing the event taking place on Wednesday.

The MP for Ribble Valley will not resign from his job and has received the backing of a number of fellow MPs. However, Philip Hammond, the Defence Secretary, suggested it would be "difficult" for him to carry on in such a high-profile role while under such scrutiny.

Earlier, Mr Evans said the allegations that he raped one man and sexually assaulted another are "completely false".

He also spoke of his "incredulity" that two men he counted as friends have made the accusations.

The senior Tory MP has been questioned by police over claims made by the two alleged victims and later released on bail.

[Snip]

It emerged on Saturday night that two men claim to have been raped and sexually assaulted by Mr Evans between July 2009 and March 2013 at his constituency. Both were in their twenties at the times of the alleged attacks, although their exact ages have not been disclosed.

[Zakeet]

Unlike the United Kingdom, in this country, politicians are actually praised for having the courage to come out!

[SunkenCiv]

Thanks Zakeet.

It emerged on Saturday night that two men claim to have been raped and sexually assaulted by Mr Evans between July 2009 and March 2013 at his constituency. Both were in their twenties at the times of the alleged attacks...

[JSDude1]

So glad that the UKIP are beating the snot out of the Tories, even though I am not British.

[Spok]

Relentlessly pushing the advantages of fascism.

[BobL]

Now we know why the conservatives in England are so gun-ho on gay marriage.