Labour suspends Rochdale MP Simon Danczuk over allegations he sent "sexually explicit" texts to a teenager

The MP for Rochdale Simon Danczuk has been suspended from the Labour party following newspaper allegations he sent sexually explicit messages to a 17-year-old girl.

Mr Danczuk is being investigated by the party's ruling body after claims he bombarded the teenager Sophena Houlihan with lewd texts after she contacted him about a job.

In a statement a Labour party spokesperson said:

Mr. Danczuk has since taken to social media to admit his behaviour was inappropriate and to apologise.

Mr Danczuk apologised unreservedly and said his behaviour was inappropriate. Credit: PA Images

Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn said the decision over Mr Danczuk's future would not be down to him. During a visit to York, he said:

"There will now be an independent investigation. He will make his case to that investigation. The concerns that have been raised will be discussed with him and a decision will be reached. But that will be independent, it will not be down to me or any other individual to decide what happens."