Commons speaker to be witness in Nigel Evans sex trial

The Speaker of the House of Commons, John Bercow MP, is to be a prosecution witness during the trial of one Ribble Valley MP Nigel Evans.

By The Newsroom

Published 13th Feb 2014, 15:00 BST

Deputy Speaker of the House of Commons and MP for Ribble Valley Nigel Evans at Westminster. Photo: Stefan Rousseau/PA Wire

Mr Bercow is on a list of at least 10 MPs who will be called to give evidence for the Crown when Mr Evans stands trial next month at Preston Crown Court accused of nine sexual offences involving seven men.

According to Whitehall sources, Mr Bercow has been asked to give evidence in person rather than by video link

Among the other high-profile politicians called to testify during the prosecution case is Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin, a former Government Chief Whip.

Mr Evans (56), who stood down as Deputy Speaker of the House of Commons after he was charged, has entered not guilty pleas to all the charges.