Ex-MP cleared of rape claims
FORMER Labour MP Simon Danczuk is in the clear over allegations he raped a woman in Westminster last year.
Mr Danczuk, who is standing as an independent candidate for Rochdale at next week’s General Election having quit the Labour Party, maintained the allegations made at the beginning of last month were ‘totally false.’
On Wednesday he was informed by London Metropolitan Police that, following an investigation, no further action will be taken against him.
When the allegation was first made – on the day Mr Danczuk collected his nomination papers to stand in the election – he said the timing was ‘deeply suspicious.’
He has now released a statement saying he is ‘in no doubt the allegations were politically motivated.’ The allegation was made on Friday, May 5, and Mr Danczuk said first he heard of it when he was approached by a national newspaper journalist for a comment three days later.
Mr Danczuk said that since the allegation, which accused him of raping a woman in the Westminster area last summer, he has endured abuse on social media and attacks in the street.
He said: “I am now in no doubt that these allegations were politically motivated by my opponents in a desperate attempt to smear and undermine my General Election campaign in Rochdale.
“The allegations have had a terrible impact on me personally and on my family.
“I just hope people now see this accusation for what it was, an attempt to sabotage my campaign and damage me in the eyes of the electorate.
“I’d like to thank the Metropolitan Police for dealing with this matter quickly and efficiently.
“Finally, I am very appreciative of friends, family and local residents who have been supportive of me whilst the false allegations were investigated.”
Mr Danczuk quit the Labour party after bring told he would not be allowed to stand for the party in the election.
He was suspended in December 2015 following claims he sent explicit texts to a 17-year-old girl.