Following his resignation as Deputy Speaker after being charged with offences including sexual assault and rape, Nigel Evans made a statement in the House of Commons:
I hope that my right honourable and honourable friends will bear with me during this personal statement. It's been a few years since I've made a speech in this chamber and I'm sad to say that this is the speech. As many of you will know, following recent allegations I was charged with alleged offences yesterday.
I now have the opportunity to robustly defend my innocence and seek acquittal. I have therefore decided that the best course of action is for me to the back benches and this a decision that I have made myself after careful consideration.
I did not have the Conservative whip as Deputy Speaker, and I am not seeking its return until after the conclusion of events.
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