Former Liberal Democrat MP Sir Cyril Smith abused young boys, an MP has claimed in the House of Commons.
Ex-Rochdale MP Sir Cyril, who died two years ago, is at the centre of allegations he administered punishments to vulnerable children such as slapping their naked bottoms, Labour MP Simon Danczuk said.
He added: “Young boys were humiliated, terrified and reduced to quivering wrecks by a 29-stone bully imposing himself on them.” Similar allegations have been made about Sir Cyril in the past.
Mr Danczuk, who now represents Rochdale, has previously highlighted the sexual abuse of young girls at the hands of Asian men in his constituency. He levelled his accusations against his predecessor Sir Cyril during a Commons debate on child sexual exploitation.
Mr Danczuk said: “Attempts to suppress the truth are not new in Rochdale. The culture of cover-up stretches back much further than the recent grooming scandal, and extends right to the heart of our political establishment.
“If we are to make sure victims of child abuse are sufficiently empowered to claw back some of the dignity that has been taken from them, we need to be open about a widespread abuse of power in our borough.”
Mr Danczuk identified two alleged victims who have come forward and been named publicly: Barry Fitton, who was 15, and Eddie Shorrock, who was 17 when they were allegedly abused by Sir Cyril.
“This morning I was approached by another victim who does not want to be named because he said he was ashamed of what happened to him, and his wife is not aware of the abuse he received from Smith,” Mr Danczuk said. “What happened to them? Why was this ever allowed to happen?”
The Labour MP demanded a police investigation into the claims against Sir Cyril – a lifelong bachelor nicknamed “Big Cyril” – so victims could “have their voices heard”.
A Lancashire Constabulary spokesman said: “We believe there was an investigation in the late 1960s but as no records are now held it cannot be ascertained whether a file was passed to the Director of Public Prosecutions. These historic allegations date back more than 40 years and to a time when Rochdale was within the Lancashire Constabulary area. While we take matters such as this extremely seriously we have not received any further allegations and at this time there is no ongoing investigation in relation to this matter.
