Rochdale MP Simon Danczuk reveals the mental difficulties of investigating abuse and the effects it had on his marriage

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.

Simon and wife Karen recently split from one another Credit: Steve Allen

The member for Rochdale, speaking after his recent bitter split from wife Karen, previously investigated allegations against ex-MP Cyril Smith and pushed for action over other historical abuse claims.

But he told BBC Radio 4's The World At One that his experience over the last year had left him with suicidal thoughts and drinking too much.

After winning his seat back in the May election Danczuk is now taking a step backf rom campaigning Credit: Steve Allen

Mr Danczuk said he went to the doctor after the election and was referred to a psychiatrist, who gave him "permission" to step back from the campaign.The MP, who first entered the Commons in 2010, said he was "in no doubt" that the problems affected his marriage.

Mr Danczuk is now seeing a psychologist after his break-up from former wife Karen Credit: Steve Allen

Asked about the effect of MPs' work on their mental health, he said parliament was a "lonely place" and there was an expectation to be "tough"."I do not think that's such a virtue in this day and age," he added.