Dan Norris, the Labour MP for North East Somerset and Hanham, has been arrested in connection with serious allegations involving rape and child sexual abuse. He was taken into custody on Friday, April 4, on suspicion of multiple offences, including rape, sexual offences against a girl, child abduction, and misconduct in public office.
Following the arrest, the Labour Party immediately suspended Norris from the party. A party spokesperson confirmed the suspension, stating that no further comment could be made while the police investigation remains ongoing.
According to Avon and Somerset Police, the arrest stems from a referral made by another UK police force in December 2024. The case involves allegations of non-recent child sexual abuse believed to have occurred in the 2000s, as well as an alleged rape incident from the 2020s. Officers from Operation Bluestone, the force’s dedicated rape and serious sexual assault team, are leading the investigation.
Police confirmed that Norris, 65, was arrested under the Sexual Offences Act 1956 and the Sexual Offences Act 2003. He has since been released on conditional bail as the investigation continues. Authorities have asked the public not to speculate on the case to avoid compromising ongoing inquiries.
The victim involved is receiving appropriate support, according to the police statement.
Norris, who returned to Parliament in 2024 after unseating former Conservative MP Jacob Rees-Mogg, previously served as MP for Wansdyke from 1997 to 2010. During his earlier tenure, he held junior ministerial roles under Prime Ministers Tony Blair and Gordon Brown. He also served as West of England Mayor from 2021 and had announced plans to step down from the role ahead of the May 2025 local elections.
As a result of the arrest, Norris has lost the party whip in the House of Commons and has stepped down from his position as Chair of the League Against Cruel Sports, a leading UK animal welfare charity. A spokesperson for the organization confirmed his resignation and stated they would not comment further while the investigation is active.
This latest development adds to the ongoing scrutiny of the UK Parliament, with renewed calls for stricter safeguards and vetting processes for public officials facing serious allegations.
