British politician Nigel Evans charged with sexual assault, rape

A senior British politician has been charged with several counts of sexual assault and rape.

Nigel Evans, who is a member of Prime Minister David Cameron’s Conservative party and was arrested twice earlier this year, has repeatedly denied the allegations.

The 55-year-old resigned from his position as deputy speaker of the House of Commons after being charged on Tuesday.

"May I reassure everyone at this time that I will robustly defend my innocence," Evans said in a statement to the media.

"I have today answered bail following complaints I have said were incredulous.

"Whilst I am saddened that this case has not been closed today, I am certain of two things: firstly that I am innocent, and secondly that my innocence will be demonstrated.

"Having informed my fellow deputy Speakers Lindsay Hoyle and Dawn Primarolo, my association chairman and staff, I can confirm I will now resign as deputy speaker.

"However, I will continue to work hard for the people of Ribble Valley from the backbenches where I first started my political career in 1992."

Evans has been accused of eight offences, including five counts of sexual assault, two counts of indecent assault and one count of rape, allegedly committed between 2002 and 2013 on seven men.

He was arrested in May and June, but released on bail.

Director of Public Prosecutions Keir Starmer QC said the decision to charge Evans came about after careful consideration.

"We have concluded that there is sufficient evidence and that it is in the public interest to prosecute,” Starmer said.