Simon Danczuk denies rape allegations

Rochdale MP labels accusations 'malicious' and 'upsetting'

Published 5th Jan 2016

Simon Danczuk has described an accusation against him of historical rape as“malicious, untrue and extremely upsetting''.

The embattled Labour MP said he is confident he can clear his name, insisting he will co-operate with the police investigation.

The claim comes as the 49-year-old faces criticism for sending lewd texts to Sophena Houlihan when she was 17.

Mr Danczuk, MP for Rochdale, has been suspended from the Labour Party while an investigation takes place into his conduct regarding the sexually explicit messages, which he has apologised “unreservedly'' for.

Commenting on the rape allegation, Mr Danczuk said: “These claims are

malicious, untrue and extremely upsetting.

“The police have not been in touch with me but I will co-operate fully with

any inquiries and am confident my name will be promptly cleared.”

The father of five's personal life has repeatedly made the headlines over the past year following the collapse of his marriage to his second wife Karen.

His ex-girlfriend Claire Hamilton said she broke up with the MP shortly after

Christmas after he admitted sending texts to Miss Houlihan.

Around 20 protesters gathered on Monday at his constituency office calling for him to resign following revelations he had sent saucy messages to the teenager.