By James Murray
Darren Hughes has been cleared of all charges after an 18-year-old made a complaint of a sexual nature, and now the ex_Labour MP says he looks forward to the future "with optimism".
According a recently released statement the Labour MP says "frenzied media attention" left him with no choice other than to quit.
"To be falsely accused of something I did not do, let alone a serious crime, has been one of the most challenging experiences," he says.
Mr Hughes also hints at a possible return to politics saying "whatever I do, I would like to continue to serve our community and our country".
3 News political reporter Patrick Gower says it would be difficult for Mr Hughes to return before the next election as the Labour list has already been selected.
Mr Hughes stepped down as a Labour MP amid the allegations, but has recently received support from the Labour Party and Paul Henry.
Labour MPs had been questioning the length of the investigation against Mr Hughes, more than two months, but police insisted they were being thorough in their inquiry.
Wellington District Field Crime Manager Detective Inspector Mike Johnson says evidence gathered had been "properly considered", by police and the Crown Solicitors Office in Wellington.
"After this careful consideration, the allegations do not reach the evidential threshold required to bring charges. As a result, no charges will be brought against Mr Hughes," he said.
Mr Johnson also made reference to further allegations against Hughes contained in an anonymously written letter.
"Some media outlets received an anonymous letter about Mr Hughes whilst police were investigating this complaint. I can confirm those allegations contained in the letter have been investigated and there were no matters which arose that required police attention."
Labour leader Phil Goff is currently overseas so Trevor
Mallard headed a news conference this afternoon.
He said the party was happy about today's news that Mr Hughes would no longer face charges and noted the ex-Labour MP had "conducted himself with the utmost dignity".
Labour wanted Mr Hughes to be given "time and space" to get on with his life according to Mr Mallard, who also said Mr Hughes had a future in the party.
"The guy is exceptionally talented; a big loss to us," he said.
He did not know if the complaint was false or how the story was originally leaked to the media.
Prime Minister John Key says a potential return for Darren Hughes as an MP is up to the Labour Party and refused to comment further.
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