Nigel Evans told police a ex Westminster worker who accused him of sexual assault was "Machiavellian" and at the "centre of the web" of a plot against him, his trial heard. He denies all charges against him.
Deputy speaker Nigel Evans told police a former Westminster worker who accused him of a sexual assault was "Machiavellian" and at the "centre of the web" of a plot against him.
The MP suggested his alleged victim had "choreographed events" as he was the common link between four other complainants in the case.
Mr Evans, the MP for Ribble Valley in Lancashire, denies any wrongdoing and claims a "conspiracy" is at work involving an "old pals act".
He is accused of sexually assaulting seven men and today his trial at Preston Crown Court heard his replies to questions by detectives after he was arrested in May last year.
Mr Evans, 56, told officers the allegation of rape by one man had been made because of the "incredibly close" relationship between him and the bi-sexual co-accuser whom he described as "Machiavellian and manipulative".
The rape complainant, then aged 22, alleges Mr Evans assaulted him after a dinner party. However, the MP described the complainant as a "strapping lad" who was a "willing participant" as the sex was consensual.
The Democratic presidential candidate may also have shown his cards on his choice of running mate.
The US president also shared a post on Twitter accusing Dr Anthony Fauci of misleading the public over hydroxychloroquine.
Fears over an impending second wave of coronavirus dominates Wednesday’s front pages.