Rape case against Rochdale MP dropped
The CPS say no further action should be taken against Simon Danczuk because of ``insufficient evidence''.
A Rochdale MP accused of rape dating back 10 years said he is relieved'' that the case against him has been dropped.
Simon Danczuk, who was suspended by the Labour Party, described the investigation by Lancashire Police as an immensely stressful period for me and my family''.
The Crown Prosecution Service said no further action should be taken against the Rochdale MP because of insufficient evidence''.
Mr Danczuk said he now hopes to have the Labour whip restored as soon as possible''.
In a statement, he said: I am grateful for the decision made by the CPS (Crown Prosecution Service) and I am relieved that the investigation has now come to an end.
Even though I maintained my innocence throughout, this has been an immensely stressful period for me and my family. I thank them for their continuing support.''
He added: I now expect the Labour Party to conclude their investigation into these matters and lift my suspension as soon as possible.''
A CPS spokesman said the woman who made the allegation, dating back to 2006, has been informed.
He added: Following receipt of a file from Lancashire Police in relation to Operation Lotus, the evidence was considered by a specialist prosecutor in accordance with the Code for Crown Prosecutors.
It has been decided that there is insufficient evidence to provide a realistic prospect of conviction.''
The father-of-five's personal life has repeatedly made the headlines over the past few years following the collapse of his marriage to wife Karen.
The 49-year-old was also forced to apologise over a separate incident involving lewd texts sent to a 17-year-old, which he blamed on a drink problem''.