A SWANSEA MP has spoken of his shock at the arrest of city-born politician Nigel Evans in connection with allegations of rape and sexual assault

NIGEL EVANS 

A SWANSEA MP has spoken of his shock at the arrest of city-born politician Nigel Evans in connection with allegations of rape and sexual assault.

Former Swansea University graduate Nigel Evans was arrested by Lancashire Constabulary on Saturday, before being released on police bail.

The 55-year-old is now MP for the Ribble Valley and Deputy Speaker in the House of Commons but formerly fought an election for a seat in his home city in 1987.

Current Swansea West MP Geraint Davies said: "I was very shocked and surprised to hear the devastating news about Nigel Evans.

"He has always been a friendly and professional deputy speaker.

"He would regularly ask me about how things were going in Swansea.

"Until very recently his father had a shop in Townhill.

"He stood for Parliament in Swansea West initially, before getting his current seat. I know him as an MP and he does his job as deputy speaker in a professional and friendly manner.

"He doesn't adopt the pomp of some of the previous incumbents, which is refreshing.

"Clearly we will now await the outcome of the investigation."

Mr Evans, who spoke to reporters outside his home in Pendleton, Lancashire, yesterday morning, said: "The complaints are completely false and I cannot understand why they have been made.

"I appreciate the way the police have handled this in such a sensitive manner. And I would 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. Thank you very much."

Mr Evans also posted a message on social networking site Facebook which said: "Thanks for the amazing overwhelming support at this difficult time."

On Saturday a spokeswoman for Lancashire Constabulary said: "A 55-year-old man from Pendleton in Lancashire, arrested on suspicion of rape and sexual assault has today, May 4, been released on police bail until June 19.

"The offences are alleged to have been committed in Pendleton between July 2009 and March 2013. We take all allegations of a sexual nature extremely seriously and understand how difficult it can be for victims to have the confidence to come forward.

"As a constabulary, we are committed to investigating sexual offences sensitively but robustly, recognising the impact that these types of crimes have on victims.

"We would encourage anyone who has experienced sexual abuse, or who has information about it, to have the confidence to report it to us knowing that we will take it seriously, deal with it sensitively and investigate it thoroughly."

The police spokeswoman confirmed both alleged victims were men in their 20s.

Mr Evans attended Dynevor School, in Swansea, and received a BA (Hons) in Politics from Swansea University.

During his time at the university he won an election to represent the university in Cuba at the World Youth Festival, which saw him travel with fellow politician Peter Mandelson.

The Ribble Valley MP joined the Conservative Party in 1974 at the age of 17. He was a councillor on West Glamorgan County Council from 1985 to 1991 and fought elections in Swansea West in 1987 and Pontypridd in 1989 before contesting the Ribble Valley seat in 1991.

A spokesman for the Ribble Valley Conservative Association said: "Nigel Evans MP has represented the Ribble Valley constituency with distinction for 21 years.

"He is widely liked and respected by his constituents, for whom he has worked tirelessly.

"The officers and members of the Ribble Valley Conservative Association have got to know and respect him and are shocked about his arrest.

"We are believers in the rule of law and are aware that these are merely allegations. The police and CPS have yet to decide if they are going to press charges.

"Nigel has now made a statement that the allegations are 'completely false and he cannot understand why they have been brought'.

"In our democracy everyone accused is innocent until proven guilty and therefore unless Nigel chooses himself to cease to be our MP or the electorate vote him out or justice system intervenes, we expect him to continue as normal to fulfil his duties in representing the people of the Ribble Valley.

"At the time of this statement the officers have not met or discussed the situation with Nigel and therefore cannot make any further comment at this time."

Mr Evans also formerly owned a convenience store in Townhill, which his grandfather set up in the 1930s. His family continued to run the store until 2012.

Read more: http://www.thisissouthwales.co.uk/Swansea-MP-s-shock-allegations-rape-city-born/story-18903616-detail/story.html#ixzz2SWRkNU3I