Tory MP in rape probe thanks supporters

The Tory MP told reporters he would be “getting back on with the work I need to be doing as a constituency MP”, and intended to resume his duties in the Speaker’s chair once debate on the Queen’s Speech is over.

Mr Evans, 55, was arrested on Saturday and questioned by police over rape and sexual assault allegations which he says are “completely false”.

Speaker John Bercow has agreed he should be excused from his duties chairing the Queen’s Speech debate this week, but he will attend the official state opening of Parliament.

Speaking on College Green near Parliament, Mr Evans said: “I’ve been in work since half past seven this morning getting on with looking at many of the emails that have come in, not just from constituents but from throughout the world, giving me support and sympathy for what I’m alleged to have done.

“I’m overwhelmed with the number of colleagues who have come up to me as well ... you know MPs don’t shake hands, well I have never shaken so many MPs’ hands as I have today, and giving me support, which is really helping me to get through this.”

Mr Evans said he had also received “fantastic support” from his Ribble Valley constituency, over the “worst two days of my life”.

In a statement over the weekend he outlined how he was interviewed by police concerning two complaints “made by two people who are well known to each other and, until Saturday, I regarded as friends”.