Labour MP Simon Danczuk has been suspended by the party following allegations in The Sun that he exchanged explicit messages with a 17-year-old girl. The Rochdale MP acknowledged the story was 'not entirely accurate' but described it as 'an extremely low point' in his life, apologising unreservedly for his 'inappropriate' behaviour.
A Labour Party spokesman confirmed that Danczuk's membership has been suspended pending an investigation by the National Executive Committee. The suspension means the whip has been withdrawn, and Danczuk will sit as an independent MP.
Danczuk, 49, has been MP for Rochdale since 2010 and is known for his high-profile campaign against historical child abuse, including co-authoring a book on alleged abuse by former MP Cyril Smith. He recently stepped back from this work to seek help for depression, which he said had taken a toll on his marriage.
The allegations are particularly sensitive given Danczuk's campaigning focus on child protection. Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn and shadow chancellor John McDonnell stressed the independence of the NEC investigation, while NEC member Ken Livingstone cautioned against jumping to conclusions, noting that while the behaviour may not be illegal, many would disapprove given Danczuk's political career.
