Simon Danczuk rape allegations dropped by cops as ex-Labour MP says claim he raped woman was ‘an attempt to sabotage my election campaign’
Mr Danczuk, who plans to fight his former Rochdale seat as an independent in the General Election, has been cleared of wrongdoing
COPS are taking no further action over a rape allegation made against former Labour MP Simon Danczuk.
The 50-year-old Mr Danczuk, who plans to fight his former Rochdale seat as an independent in the General Election, was told by Metropolitan Police officers that no further action would be taken yesterday.
He claimed the allegations were an attempt to undermine his election campaign.
The politician said: "I am now in no doubt that these allegations were politically motivated by political 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 and Alex Preston, of Olliers Solicitors, in Manchester, for representing me.
"Finally, I am very appreciative of friends, family and local residents who have been supportive of me whilst the false allegations were investigated."
Mr Danzcuk was suspended by the Parliamentary Labour Party in December 2015, pending an investigation into allegations concerning his conduct, but continued to serve as an independent MP.
He resigned from the party in May after he was barred from standing for Labour in Rochdale, a seat he had held since winning it from the Liberal Democrats in 2010.
A Metropolitan Police statement read: "On Monday, 8 May 2017, officers from Greater Manchester Police (GMP) referred an allegation of rape to the Metropolitan Police.
"The incident is alleged to have occurred in June 2016 at a location in Westminster.
"Detectives from the Sexual Offences, Exploitation and Child Abuse Command investigated the allegation.
"A 50-year-old man voluntarily attended a central London police station on Monday, 15 May where he was interviewed under caution.
"On Wednesday, 31 May he was informed that no further action will be taken."