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SHAMED MP Simon Danczuk conceded yesterday that his reputation as an anti-child abuse campaigner has been “dented” by the sexually explicit messages he sent to a 17-year-old constituent.
Mr Danczuk, who has been suspended by the Labour Party, toured TV studios in a desperate bid to salvage his reputation after days of damaging allegations about his personal life.
In an appearance on ITV’s Good Morning Britain, he said messages in which he told a teenager that she was “cheeky” and he wanted to “spank” her should be seen “in context,” as they had been sent at a “low point” in his life.
On Monday’s edition of Newsnight, he denied that his actions amounted to grooming, but added: “I can’t deny the fact that I prefer young women.”
Attempting to play down his behaviour, Mr Danczuk said it was part of his “colourful personal life” and compared himself to clownish Tory grandee Boris Johnson.
Mr Johnson immediately distanced himself from the toxic comparison, telling LBC Radio: “I really don’t know what he is talking about.”
Mr Danczuk admitted that his “inappropriate behaviour” had “dented” his reputation, but said: “I think we can put it behind us.”
However, he now faces a police investigation over rape allegations made at the weekend by his former wife Sonia Rossington, who told the Mail on Sunday that Mr Danczuk had had sex with her while she was asleep.
In a statement, he 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.”
Despite now facing the possibility of criminal charges, Mr Danczuk also claimed to be “quietly confident” that he will be reinstated as a Labour MP when the party’s internal investigation concludes.
