Patrick Spencer: “The reality is this government needs to make cuts because it needs to fund things that it's planning to do.”

I would like to thank the jury, the court, my legal team and most importantly, my incredible wife, children, family, friends and colleagues - whose support has been unwavering throughout.

I have always maintained my innocence, and today’s not guilty verdict draws a very long and challenging period in my life to a close.

For the time being, I'm looking forward to getting home to see my kids and getting back to work representing my constituents.

Our shared nightmare is now over.