Ribble Valley MP Nigel Evans addresses House of Commons

Ribble Valley MP Nigel Evans has today (Wednesday) made a statement to the House of Commons explaining his decision to stand down as deputy speaker after being charged with sex offences.

By The Newsroom

Published 11th Sep 2013, 14:43 BST

Nigel Evans makes a personal statement to MPs in the House of Commons, London following his resignation as Deputy Speaker after the Ribble Valley MP quit after it emerged that he is to be charged with sex offences against seven men. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Wednesday September 11, 2013. See PA story POLICE Evans. Photo credit should read: PA/PA Wire

In a statement to MPs, the 55-year-old vowed to “robustly defend” his innocence after being charged with offences including sexual assault, indecent assault and rape.

Mr Evans, who last night resigned as Deputy Speaker of the House of Commons, explained that he will continue to represent his constituents as an independent MP.

He added: “I’m proud to serve the people of the Ribble Valley and the best tribute that I can give them now is to get on with the job they sent me here to do.”