6 Jul 2015

Simon Danczuk’s struggle with alcohol and depression

Simon Danczuk, the MP who helped to expose the child sex abuse committed by Cyril Smith, tells Channel 4 News about his decision to step back from campaigning to seek help for depression.

Labour MP Simon Danczuk has spoken of the personal cost of his battle to expose child sex abuse, saying it left him depressed and helped wreck his marriage.

The backbencher said he was receiving psychiatric treatment and would be stepping back from his campaigning.

The member for Rochdale, whose bitter split from wife Karen has been played out in the media, previously investigated allegations against ex-MP Cyril Smith and pushed for action over other historical abuse claims.

Mrs Danczuk voiced her support for her estranged husband in a message on Twitter: “Very proud of @SimonDanczuk admission today. It’s the first step to getting better. Me & our boys are right behind him through this. KD”