Rochdale has spoken: Danczuk "needs to go"

Simon Danczuk

The people of Rochdale have spoken – and it is a “no” to Simon Danczuk remaining the town's MP.

The shamed MP has admitted that he claimed over £11,500 of taxpayer's money he had no right to claim.

Mr Danczuk obtained the money by claiming his two oldest children routinely resided at his London flat for a period of over three years, and he did so, according to the Compliance Officer for the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority (IPSA), "knowing that there was no reasonable prospect of the children staying at the accommodation."

http://www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/news-features/2/news-headlines/101829/simon-danczuk-has-to-repay-more-than-11000-in-expenses

Locals in Rochdale town centre reacted with disgust, and said that Mr Danczuk’s "time is up".

Hamzah Iqbal said: “I think everyone in Rochdale agrees now that he needs to go. What has he been playing at? We can’t show him that we are ok with his actions and let him stay. No, it’s time now.”

Steven Morgan, from Firgrove, said: “Ever since he came here he’s been up to no good. He is taking the mickey out of us all. He has to go if you ask me. His time is up."

Local couple David and Catherine Smith said: “He has to go.”

The views in town were echoed on social media with thousands demanding not only for Mr Danczuk to stand down but also for him to be prosecuted.

Ian Carter posted: "Shouldn't he be prosecuted?"

Firey Fairy posted: "When people claim benefits fraudulently they get prosecuted why is Simon Danczuk any different?"

Jonathan Bowden posted: "This isn't an honest mistake, he's deliberately claimed for something he wasn't entitled too."

Lib Dem Councillor Andy Kelly said: "I'm disgusted that Danczuk's only punishment at present appears to be paying the money back. We will not rest though and will be officially asking for the Police to take over."

Leader of the Conservative group, Councillor Ashley Dearnley said: “Let's hope that lessons will now be learnt and everyone can move forward learning from mistakes made and work hard for Rochdale.”

David Hennigan, who was one of those who made a complaint to IPSA about Mr Danczuk's expenses claims, has today written to the Metropolitan Police and Greater Manchester Police drawing attention to the IPSA findings. He said: "Looking at the findings, it is clear to me that Mr Danczuk set out to defraud the taxpayer. He made enquiries about how much he would get by registering two children he didn't see for material gain. He then went through with the claim knowingly.

He added: "I will therefore be referring this to both Greater Manchester Police and Scotland Yard. Danczuk has been caught and now should face the consequences."

It was revealed eariler this month that Mr Danczuk's expenses claims are being investigated by the Metropolitan Police Service's 'Homicide and Major Crime Command' Unit.

http://www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/news-features/2/news-headlines/101513/danczuk-expenses-claims-to-be-investigated-by-metropolitan-police

Mr Danczuk, who remains suspended from the Labour party due to his sending sex messages to a 17-year-old girl, is also still under investigation by the police in connection with a rape allegation dating from 2006.

http://www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/news-features/2/news-headlines/100379/simon-danczuk-interviewed-under-caution-over-rape-claim