Andrew Mitchell, who quit the Cabinet amid a media storm over claims - which he strongly denies - that he called police officers "plebs", said today that Deputy Speaker Nigel Evans, who was arrested on suspicion of rape and sexual assault, should remain in his post. Mr Evans is the Tory MP for Ribble Valley in Lancashire. He has withdrawn from this week's Queen's Speech debates as he fights what he describes as 'completely false' rape claims from two men.
"If he were to resign now we would be in a terrible position where every public office holder would be open to blackmail and false stories in the media, triggering their resignation," Mr Mitchell told BBC Radio 4's Today.
"Nigel Evans has been a friend and colleague of mine for more than 20 years, I have known him in good times and in bad times and I certainly do not believe these allegations.
"I think he should definitely continue in that role. We have three deputy speakers in the House of Commons so if necessary there can be a degree of burden-sharing.
"He has not been charged, he has not been found guilty, and we do still live in a country where you are supposed to be innocent until proven guilty."
Former chief whip Mr Mitchell strongly denies branding officers "plebs" when they stopped him cycling out of the main Downing Street gates last September, but has admitted swearing.
He was eventually forced to resign over the controversy, but doubt has since been cast on some accounts of his behaviour.
Scotland Yard is investigating claims of a conspiracy by officers to unseat the former Cabinet minister and his lawyers have begun libel proceedings against The Sun.
The newspaper, which broke the story, says it will vigorously contest the action.
Asked why he resigned, Mr Mitchell said: "In my circumstances, this matter had dragged on for 28 days. I took the view that I could no longer discharge the duties the Prime Minister had asked me to discharge and that's why I resigned.
"Anyone who is caught up in the sort of intensive media storm which Nigel has faced and which I and my family faced, obviously is in a very difficult position to carry out their job, But in this particular circumstance I am in no doubt that Nigel Evans should not resign and that he will be able to fulfil his duties as required by the Speaker."
