Nigel Evans to stand aside from chairing duties during rape investigation Mr Evans last week spoke publicly of his "incredulity" that two men he counted as friends could have made the accusations. The senior Tory MP was questioned by Lancashire police and had his home searched after one man claimed to have been raped and another sexually assaulted by Mr Evans between July 2009 and March 2013. Mr Evans was later released on bail. Both of the accusers were in their twenties at the times of the alleged attacks, although their exact ages have not been disclosed. The Daily Telegraph revealed last week that Mr Evans was interviewed by senior Conservatives in 2009 about an allegation of "sexually inappropriate behaviour." Friends of Mr Evans said this was based on a misunderstanding and no further action was taken. Mr Evans and the complainant later continued to socialise together. Mr Evans, 55, is openly gay, having disclosed his sexuality in 2010 saying he was "tired of living a lie." The former Tory Party vice-chairman came out as gay at the launch of a Parliamentary group set up to help MPs and staff be open about their sexuality. He also revealed he had received threats of blackmail in the past over his sexuality. "The MP was saying to anyone who would listen, 'Why is it that Nigel Evans leads a life whereby he is gay to some people and not others?"" he said at the time. Mr Evans has been MP for Ribble Valley since 1992 and was elected as deputy speaker of the Commons when the Coalition came to power.