Simon Danczuk banned by Labour Party from standing in the general election

He is now thought to be considering standing as an independent and may also launch a legal challenge

Danczuk was initially suspended by Labour after media allegations about his private life (Reuters)

The Labour Party has been banned Simon Danczuk, its MP for Rochdale, from standing as its candidate in the general election.

In 2015, Mr Danczuk was suspended from the party, pending an investigation, after revelations that he had sent explicit messages to a 17-year-old.

He is now thought to be considering standing as an independent and may also launch a legal challenge.

The Labour Party is apparently concerned that if Mr Danczuk stands as an independent he would split the party’s vote, the Guardian reported.

Although the Rochdale constituency has a Labour majority of more than 12,000, Mr Danczuk is incredibly popular in the local area.

A Labour Party spokesperson confirmed the decision about Mr Danczuk.

“After considering the case of Simon Danczuk in detail and speaking to him in an interview, the Labour party’s NEC endorsement panel today unanimously recommended that he should not be endorsed as a Labour candidate.

“He will not be able to stand as a Labour candidate in any constituency at the general election,” the spokesperson told the Guardian.

Members of Labour’s National Executive Committee will meet on 3 May to confirm all the candidates for the general election.

An official decision will therefore be announced after this meeting.