A former Liberal Democrat MP today revealed he was the subject of a two-year probe into historical sex abuse allegations after police and prosecutors dropped the case.

John Hemming was interviewed under caution as part of the investigation following allegations made by Esther Baker, who waived her anonymity in May 2015.

The former Birmingham Yardley MP accused his Labour opponent Jess Phillips of using the allegations against him at the 2015 and 2017 general elections.

Mr Hemming said he has asked police to investigate the Labour campaign to discover whether there was an 'attempt to pervert the course of justice'.

John Hemming (file image with partner Emily Cox) today revealed he was the subject of a two-year probe into historical sex abuse allegations after police and prosecutors dropped the case

Staffordshire Police confirmed today there was 'insufficient evidence' to press charges over the allegations.

In May 2015 Ms Baker went public with allegations that she was molested during the 1980s and 1990s in woods in Staffordshire and at Dolphin Square in London.

Mr Hemming, who has not previously been named in connection with the case, issued a lengthy statement on his blog today.

He said he was pleased the police had dropped the inquiry into him and said the 'allegations had no substance whatsoever'.

The ex-MP said: 'I am normally someone who helps other people fight injustice.

'Being subject to an unjust campaign of vilification is something I do not wish to repeat.'

In a direct attack on his Labour rival Ms Phillips, Mr Hemming said: 'Some members of the Labour Party, including my opponent in the last two General Elections, have invested considerable time in promoting these allegations.

'The promotion of the complainant as an expert in this subject area as a consequence of these allegations has caused additional difficulties for my family.

'I am not myself aware of another situation where members and supporters of a political party have promoted such allegations in such a public manner – essentially arming the villagers with torches and pitchforks and setting off on a lynching.'

Mr Hemming was interviewed under caution as part of the investigation following allegations made by Esther Baker (pictured making her allegations on Sky News in May 2015)

Ms Baker went public with allegations that she was molested during the 1980s and 1990s in woods in Staffordshire and at Dolphin Square in London (file image)

Mr Hemming also issued sharp criticism of the defunct news website Exaro for promoting the allegations and Sky News for broadcasting Ms Baker's interview on the allegations.

He said: 'Sky should recognise that not only was their broadcast of the original allegations in May 2015 a complete nonsense, but also had it been based upon truthful allegations that it would have undermined a criminal investigation.

The former Birmingham Yardley MP accused his Labour opponent Jess Phillips (file image) of using the allegations against him at the 2015 and 2017 general elections

'The attempts to drum up additional false complainants through the use of publicity highlights a difficulty with publicising cases whilst a police investigation is going on.'

Mr Hemming praised Staffordshire Police for how it handled the complaint but said processes for investigating such complaints took too long.

Staffordshire Police Superintendent Amanda Davies said 'It was vital we gave the victim the time, space and support she needed to disclose the information.

'Over 100 hours of interviews were conducted by specially trained officers, and throughout the investigation we have kept her informed and continued to provide support.

'In this case Esther made the difficult decision to waive her right to anonymity and we will continue to support her, as we would with all victims of crime. We want to take this opportunity to reassure other potential victims that their identity is protected by law.'

'Supporting victims remains our absolute priority, rest assured you can contact us confident that you will be listened to and we will provide the support you need.'

Three people were interviewed under caution during the investigation, one of whom was arrested.

Ms Phillips declined to comment when contacted by MailOnline.