Suspended Labour MP Simon Danczuk 'relieved' as rape case is dropped
AN MP accused of rape dating back 10 years said he is "relieved" that the case against him has been dropped.
The police have dropped the investigation against Simon Danczuk due to a lack of evidence
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 (CPS) 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 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."
The MP was suspended from the Labour party but now hopes to be reinstated
Simon Danczuk MP defends Keith Vaz from media
The 49-year-old apologised after sending lewd texts to a 17-year-old girl
He added: "I now expect the Labour Party to conclude their investigation into these matters and lift my suspension as soon as possible."
I am grateful for the decision made by the CPS
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."
His personal life has been in the headlines following his split from wife Karen Danczuk
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".