Tory MP Eleanor Laing denies No 10 is backing her to be new Deputy Speaker

 
PRESTON, UNITED KINGDOM - OCTOBER 4 : Former Deputy Speaker Nigel Evans
4 October 2013
WEST END FINAL

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A senior Tory MP today denied she was the “No10 candidate” in the contest to be Deputy Speaker following Nigel Evans standing down.

Epping Forest MP Eleanor Laing confirmed she would stand for election when MPs return to parliament next week.

The vote is expected the following Tuesday.

“Yes I’m going to stand,” Ms Laing told the Standard, adding that she had support including on the Labour benches which could prove crucial.

But amid rumours that Downing Street could be more pleased with her becoming Deputy Speaker, rather than Brian Binley who has criticised David Cameron, she said: “I’m certainly not the No 10 candidate.”

Mr Binley said he would take soundings when MPs return to the Commons before making a final decision on whether to throw his name into the hat.

Downing Street stressed the vote was a matter for MPs.

Former Deputy Speaker Nigel Evans was due in court today accused of sex offences against seven men.

Mr Evans, the MP for Ribble Valley in Lancashire, will make his first appearance in the Crown Court at Preston accused of two counts of indecent assault, five of sexual assault and one of rape.

The charges date from 2002 to earlier this year. Mr Evans resigned as Deputy Speaker after he was charged on September 10 but strongly denies the allegations.

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