Labour Member of Parliament Dan Norris has been arrested in connection with allegations of rape and child sexual offences. The MP, who represents North East Somerset and Hanham, was suspended by the Labour Party as soon as news of his arrest emerged.
A spokesperson for the Labour Party confirmed the suspension, stating: “Dan Norris MP was immediately suspended following notification of his arrest. We are unable to provide further details while the police investigation is ongoing.”
Law enforcement officials said a man in his 60s was taken into custody on Friday. The charges he faces include sexual offences involving a minor, child abduction, rape, and misconduct in public office. Though police did not name the individual, it is understood to be Mr Norris, aged 65.
Mr Norris, who defeated Jacob Rees-Mogg in the 2024 general election to win his current seat, has also had the party whip removed, meaning he will now sit as an independent MP. In addition, he has resigned as chair of the animal welfare charity League Against Cruel Sports.
Avon and Somerset Police released a statement confirming the arrest and outlining the investigation’s progress. “In December 2024, we received a referral from another police force concerning historic allegations of child sexual abuse against a girl,” the statement read.
“Most of the reported offences date back to the 2000s, with an additional allegation of rape believed to have occurred in the 2020s. The investigation is in its early stages and is being led by Operation Bluestone, our specialist team focused on rape and serious sexual offences.”
Authorities added that the alleged victim is receiving the appropriate support and access to specialist services.
The man was arrested on April 4 and later released on conditional bail while the investigation continues.
Police have urged the public to refrain from speculation. “Due to the sensitive and active nature of this inquiry, we ask that people avoid speculating, so the investigation can proceed without interference,” they said.
Mr Norris first entered Parliament in 1997 during Tony Blair’s premiership, representing Wansdyke until the 2010 general election. He served as an assistant whip under Blair and later held a junior ministerial post under Prime Minister Gordon Brown.
Since 2021, he has served as the Mayor of the West of England, though he is expected to leave this position before the upcoming local elections in May.
The League Against Cruel Sports, a charity focused on banning practices such as fox hunting and game bird shooting, confirmed that Mr Norris had stepped down from his leadership role. The organization issued a brief statement: “Due to the ongoing police investigation, the charity will not be commenting further at this time.
