Behind the Lines: Examining the Acknowledgements in Simon Danczuk's Book on Cyril Smith

Published over a decade ago, Simon Danczuk's book concerning the late Rochdale MP Cyril Smith became a subject of significant discussion and controversy. While the book addressed serious allegations, it is crucial to examine the context surrounding its creation, particularly the author's stated motivations and the individuals and organisations he thanked for their contribution, as laid out in the acknowledgments section at the beginning of the work.

It is important to note from the outset the complexity of the subject matter. The book's central premise, involving allegations against Cyril Smith, has faced considerable criticism from some quarters, notably in accounts deemed as originating from reputable publications online. These criticisms have suggested the allegations could be potentially false or slanderous. Further, reference has been made to a document dated 19th March, 1970, from the Chief Constable of Lancashire Constabulary, which reportedly deemed Cyril Smith as, considered, not indictable in his view, following an investigation.

A.I. Image

Given this documented finding from 1970 and the stated criticism regarding the veracity of the allegations, this article will focus solely on the explicit acknowledgments provided by the authors and the stated purpose of the book as described within that section. It will refrain from discussing the allegations against Cyril Smith as if they were established facts, in deference to the historical police assessment and the counter-arguments raised subsequently.


The Author's Thanks: Who and Why

In the acknowledgments section, Simon Danczuk and co-author Matt Baker express gratitude to a wide array of individuals and institutions. Their core motivation for undertaking the project is highlighted early on. They thank, "all those who gave their time to make this book possible". A significant emphasis is placed on those referred to as the, "victims of Cyril Smith who co-operated with us", alongside a remembrance of, "all those victims who suffered at his hands". This indicates a primary stated purpose of giving a voice to these individuals and acknowledging their experiences.

Thanks are also extended to, "former police officers in helping us with this book", suggesting assistance was sought from law enforcement perspectives. The authors acknowledge that some people who assisted them did not wish to be named, respecting their privacy while still passing on their thanks.

A lengthy list of named individuals follows, thanked, "Whether by allowing us to interview them for the book or for helping bring this important story to light". This list includes: Jason Addy, Jonathan Ali, David Bartlett, Dominic Carman, Maureen and Roy Cooper, Jonathan Corke, Father Paul Daly, Ashley Dearnley, Martin Digan, Michael English, Richard Farnell, Lord Fearn, Nick Fielding, Barry Fitton, Lorna Fitzsimons, Paul Foulston, Roy Foynes, Edmund Gartside, Jim Hancock, David Hencke, John Hessel, Simon Hoggart, Ed Howker, Lord Hoyle, Simon Hughes, Eileen Kershaw, Ibrar Khan, Liz McKean, Chris Marshall, Stephen Moore, Khandaker Abdul Musabbir, Ronald Neal, Liam O'Rourke, Mohammad Pasha, Steve Panter, Lyndon Price, Steve Roberts, Sue Rothwell, Derek Smith, Mike Smith, Ann Stott, Jack Tasker, John Walker, Elwyn Watkins, Tom Watson MP, Paul Waugh, and Jennifer Williams. The inclusion of such a diverse list suggests input was gathered from local figures, politicians, journalists, and others who may have held relevant information or perspectives. Notably, among these names is Paul Waugh, who currently serves as the Member of Parliament for Rochdale.

Appreciation is also shown for the technical and administrative aspects of bringing a book to fruition. Rebecca Winfield at David Luxton Associates and Hollie Teague at Biteback Publishing are thanked for, "assembling, editing and constructing this book", with their comments on the manuscript described as, "invaluable". Suzanne Sangster at Biteback is commended for her, "advice and public relations expertise".

Research resources were also crucial, with thanks given to Rochdale Central Library, Touchstones Arts and Heritage Centre, the North West Film Archive, the London School of Economics, and the Working Class Movement Library in Salford for their help in, "researching the book". The Rochdale Observer is credited for providing photographs.


Simon Danczuk's Specific Reflections

Within the acknowledgments, Simon Danczuk provides further insight into his personal motivation and key influences. He expresses particular gratitude to John Walker, described as, "one of the founders of the Rochdale Alternative Press", who helped him decide on the need to write the book. Danczuk states that Walker's conversations and thoughts stimulated him to start the project, indicating a significant initial impetus came from this relationship.

He pays tribute to his co-author, Matt Baker, appreciating him not only as the wordsmith on the project but also for his, "continued excellent advice and support on a whole range of matters, his dedication to Labour politics and, most of all, for his friendship".

Other key figures in Danczuk's political and personal life are also thanked. Allen Brett, his, "political agent in Rochdale", is acknowledged as his, "eyes and ears when I'm not around". Professor Roger Penn and Sir Bill Taylor are thanked for their, "ideas, thoughts and encouragement over many years", with Sir Bill Taylor also noted as a, "very good friend". Staff in his constituency and parliamentary offices – Neil Emmott, Iftikhar Ahmed, Shah Ali, and Tom Railton – are deemed, "invaluable".

Danczuk acknowledges the privilege of serving as a Member of Parliament, thanking the people of Rochdale for giving him the opportunity. The Rochdale Labour Party is thanked for choosing him as their candidate, supporting him, "so strongly", and providing ideas and thoughts which stimulated him to produce the book and finally, he expresses thanks to his family.


Matthew Baker's Reflections

Co-author Matthew Baker also shares his perspective on the book's origins and purpose. He states he was, "inspired to get involved in this project by the moving stories from men who had been abused by Cyril Smith when they were boys", explicitly framing the book as, "a tribute to them and an attempt to set the record straight". He thanks David James Smith, Rebecca Winfield, and Chris Dean for, "advice and encouragement", and also, thanks his family. Baker notes the shock of a, "paedophile", hiding in Parliament as a key element and highlights the efforts of, "many local and national journalists whose tenacity deserves high praise", in bringing the story to light. He also thanks the, "kind people of Rochdale for taking the time to share their extraordinary reminiscences about Cyril". Baker concludes his acknowledgments with the hope that the book can help Rochdale, "reclaim its true history and heritage", from being overshadowed by Cyril Smith.


Conclusion

Simon Danczuk's book about Cyril Smith, published over a decade ago, involved extensive research and collaboration with a wide network of people, as detailed in its acknowledgments. The authors explicitly stated their motivation was to bring, "an important story to light", serve as a, "tribute", to those who came forward, and attempt, "to set the record straight". Danczuk's personal reflections reveal key influences like John Walker in initiating the project and highlight the support received from his co-author, political contacts, staff, the people of Rochdale, the Labour Party, and his family.

However, as noted, the book's premise has been met with criticism, and a 1970 police document reportedly found Cyril Smith not indictable, in the view of a decision making chief constable. Respecting this context, this article has focused solely on presenting the individuals and groups the authors thanked, their stated reasons for writing the book as found in the acknowledgments, and the specific reflections shared by Simon Danczuk within that section regarding the book's origins and support network. It highlights the collaborative effort described by the authors in tackling the complex subject matter and acknowledges the diverse contributions they credited for bringing the book to publication.