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Deputy speaker's offices searched by police investigating rape claims Deputy speaker's offices searched by police investigating rape claims
(4 months later)
Detectives investigating allegations of rape and sexual assault against the deputy speaker of the House of Commons Nigel Evans have searched his parliamentary offices, it has emerged.Detectives investigating allegations of rape and sexual assault against the deputy speaker of the House of Commons Nigel Evans have searched his parliamentary offices, it has emerged.
Lancashire police officers entered parliament on Sunday to examine rooms occupied by Evans, 55, and his staff. He was arrested on 4 May after claims that he raped one man and sexually assaulted another between 2009 and 2013 – accusations he said were "completely false". A third man has come forward alleging another sexual assault, it was reported this weekend.Lancashire police officers entered parliament on Sunday to examine rooms occupied by Evans, 55, and his staff. He was arrested on 4 May after claims that he raped one man and sexually assaulted another between 2009 and 2013 – accusations he said were "completely false". A third man has come forward alleging another sexual assault, it was reported this weekend.
John Bercow, the Speaker, told MPs at the start of parliamentary business that a warrant had been issued at Preston crown court on 16 May. "I considered the warrant personally and was advised by officers of the house that there were no lawful grounds on which it would be proper to refuse its execution … The serjeant at arms and Speaker's counsel were present when the search was conducted," he said.John Bercow, the Speaker, told MPs at the start of parliamentary business that a warrant had been issued at Preston crown court on 16 May. "I considered the warrant personally and was advised by officers of the house that there were no lawful grounds on which it would be proper to refuse its execution … The serjeant at arms and Speaker's counsel were present when the search was conducted," he said.
Earlier this month, Evans, the MP for Ribble Valley, read a statement outside his Lancashire home vehemently denying the accusations against him after he was released on bail.Earlier this month, Evans, the MP for Ribble Valley, read a statement outside his Lancashire home vehemently denying the accusations against him after he was released on bail.
The Conservative MP spoke of his incredulity after being arrested over allegations by two men he had until then "regarded as friends".The Conservative MP spoke of his incredulity after being arrested over allegations by two men he had until then "regarded as friends".
Evans, who came out as gay in 2010, said he had just endured "the worst 24 hours of my life".Evans, who came out as gay in 2010, said he had just endured "the worst 24 hours of my life".
He said: "The allegations are completely false and I can't understand why they have been made, especially as I have continued to socialise with one as recently as last week.He said: "The allegations are completely false and I can't understand why they have been made, especially as I have continued to socialise with one as recently as last week.
"I appreciate the way the police have handled this in such a sensitive manner, and I'd like to thank my colleagues, friends and members of the public who have expressed their support and – like me – a sense of incredulity at these events.""I appreciate the way the police have handled this in such a sensitive manner, and I'd like to thank my colleagues, friends and members of the public who have expressed their support and – like me – a sense of incredulity at these events."
In the days after his arrest, Evans announced he would step away from the Speaker's chair for a few days but would return to work the following week.In the days after his arrest, Evans announced he would step away from the Speaker's chair for a few days but would return to work the following week.
The Speaker's office subsequently released a statement saying: "While Mr Evans will remain deputy speaker, he will not resume chairing duties while police investigations are ongoing."The Speaker's office subsequently released a statement saying: "While Mr Evans will remain deputy speaker, he will not resume chairing duties while police investigations are ongoing."
Meanwhile, Evans has refused to comment on rumours that at least one of the complainants was a House of Commons passholder.Meanwhile, Evans has refused to comment on rumours that at least one of the complainants was a House of Commons passholder.
Lancashire police said: "Police can confirm they have searched offices in London in connection with the investigation. It would be inappropriate to comment further, other than to say we have gone through all the appropriate and necessary procedures before taking this step."Lancashire police said: "Police can confirm they have searched offices in London in connection with the investigation. It would be inappropriate to comment further, other than to say we have gone through all the appropriate and necessary procedures before taking this step."
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