Labour ‘wanted to COVER UP rape gang scandals’ – now I’m exposing those who ‘swept it under carpet’, says Rochdale MP
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THE ex-Labour MP for Rochdale has claimed the party "wanted to cover up rape gang scandals" - and exposed those who "swept it under the carpet". Simon Danczuk was in the post when the news of a child sex abuse ring in Rochdale, Greater Manchester, first broke in 2012.
![[Simon Danczuk of the Reform UK Party at a polling station.]](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/reform-uk-party-simon-danczuk-883384061.jpg?strip=all&w=960)
The politician has now claimed that the party deliberately turned a blind eye to elements of the scandal - and namechecked two former colleagues. He also criticised the current Labour party under Keir Starmer for failing to launch a national inquiry into the sustained abuse - despite repeated calls to do so.
![[Mugshots of eight men convicted in a child sex ring.]](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/2012-11-week-trial-told-4761899_46d576.jpg?strip=all&w=960)
Writing in The Mail, the MP said: "It was a harrowing experience that revealed to me the strength of the Labour Party's willingness to cover up the scandal in order to protect its support among local ethnic minorities. "In effect, innocent young girls were sacrificed on the altar of political expediency. That cynical, opportunistic spirit still lingers on today, as exemplified by the Labour Government's refusal to set up a national inquiry into this grim saga.".
![[Prime Minister Keir Starmer announcing new sanctions on illegal migration.]](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/2025-pa-photo-new-sanctions-962581045_3fd50b.jpg?strip=all&w=960)
Nine men were convicted of various sexual offences against young girls in May 2012 as part of a Pakistani abuse gang. Investigations continue into the scandal - with over 40 perpetrators receiving convictions so far. Over 40 young girls have so far been identified as victims - with crimes including sex trafficking, rape and conspiracy to commit sexual offences.
