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....