Sex offences trial of MP Nigel Evans set to begin
Nigel Evans, the former deputy speaker of the House of Commons, goes on trial today accused of sexual offences against seven men.
The MP for Ribble Valley in Lancashire faces nine charges dating from 2002 to 1 April 2013.
He denies two counts of indecent assault, six of sexual assault and one of rape.
The 56-year-old will continue to hold surgeries throughout the Ribble Valley during the process and his staff will be available for consultation in his Clitheroe office.
Mr Evans resigned as Commons deputy speaker after he was charged on 10 September last year.
As deputy speaker, he sat as an independent MP but he decided not to retake the Conservative whip, after standing down as deputy speaker. Mr Evans remains an independent MP for his constituency.
Mr Evans came out as gay in 2010.
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