Former deputy speaker of the House of Commons Nigel Evans (left) leaving Preston Crown Court, northern England, yesterday. Photo: Reuters

British Prime Minister David Cameron yesterday hinted that MP Nigel Evans will be brought back into the Tory fold as he joined those welcoming news that the Evans had been cleared of sex offence charges.

Earlier in the day a jury at Preston Crown Court unanimously found Evans, 56, not guilty of one count of rape, five sexual assaults, one attempted sexual assault and two indecent assaults.

The MP gave up the Conservative whip to become deputy speaker, and then had to resign that post when he was charged.

Local party members said they were “delighted” by the outcome.

The Prime Minister said it was “hard to imagine the relief” that the former deputy speaker was feeling after “such a traumatic time”.

“I’m sure he will want to get on with working with his constituents in the Ribble Valley and, as for the future, I’m sure it’s something he’ll be discussing with the chief whip when he returns to Parliament,” Cameron said.

Questions must be asked on whether defendants deserve anonymity

Association chairman Michael Ranson said: “We are delighted that the jury has returned a not-guilty verdict on all the charges that were brought against Nigel.

“The last 12 months have been very difficult for Nigel, his family and Ribble Valley Conservative Association.

“Nigel always assured us he was innocent of the charges and we are delighted that the court has found in his favour.”

There was support too from the Labour benches.

Austin Mitchell posted: “There is some justice. Well not done Nigel. Happy for you.”

Robert Rams, Evans’s former chief of staff, said: “I spent seven years working for Nigel Evans MP, travelling the world with him. He has always been so very kind to me and I am so pleased for him. He is a true gentleman and has acted with dignity throughout this. I look forward to seeing him soon and for him to rebuild his career.” A Tory spokesman said: “We are very pleased Nigel Evans has been cleared of all charges after this very difficult time.”

Ex-Lib Dem MP Lembit Opik, who gave evidence at the trial, tweeted: “Nigel Evans is innocent. I always said so. He could NEVER have been guilty as far as I was concerned. Justice is done.

“Questions must now be asked about whether defendants deserve anonymity, as Nigel Evans has already suffered due to media. That is very wrong.”

Opik was in the Strangers’ Bar at the House of Commons when Evans was said to have “cupped” the genitals of a young man over his clothing but he said he did not witness any such incident.