Deputy Commons Speaker Nigel Evans today returned to Westminster after what he called the “worst two days of my life” answering rape allegations.
The Tory MP said he would get back to “doing the job I love” while police investigate claims made by two men.
However, he will not chair the debate after tomorrow’s Queen’s Speech because he feels the controversy would be a distraction for MPs.
“I am going to be doing the job I love and I’m overwhelmed by the support I have received from my colleagues and all sides of the House and people in my constituency,” he said.
Mr Evans, 55, who has been the Conservative MP for Ribble Valley since 1992, looked relaxed at a photocall to mark his return to the Commons.
He was arrested on Saturday and questioned by police in Preston over rape and sexual assault allegations which he says are “completely false”.
He was released on bail to June 19. Speaker John Bercow has agreed that he should be excused from chairing the Queen’s Speech debate, which opens tomorrow.
By coincidence, Mr Evans and Coronation Street actor Bill Roache were both due to attend a mayor-making ceremony in Clitheroe, Lancashire, today.
Kevin Horkin, mayor elect of the town council, asked his soap star friend to the function before Roache, 81, was arrested on May 1 on suspicion of two counts of rape. Mr Evans was asked to make the traditional speech congratulating the new mayor after the actor pulled out.
