Labour MP Dan Norris has been arrested on suspicion of rape and multiple child sex offences, including child abduction and misconduct in a public office.
A spokesperson for the Labour Party confirmed that Mr Norris was “immediately suspended” upon the party being informed of his arrest. “We cannot comment further while the police investigation is ongoing,” the spokesperson added.
Avon and Somerset Police have confirmed that a man in his sixties was arrested on Friday, 4 April, in connection with allegations of sexual offences against a girl, as well as rape, child abduction, and misconduct in a public office.
Mr Norris, 65, who unseated Jacob Rees-Mogg to win the newly created seat of North East Somerset and Hanham at last year’s general election, has also lost the party whip in the House of Commons.
In a statement, Avon and Somerset Police revealed they had received a referral in December 2024 from another force concerning alleged non-recent child sex offences. “Most of the offences are alleged to have occurred in the 2000s, but we’re also investigating an alleged offence of rape from the 2020s,” the statement read.
The investigation is being led by Operation Bluestone, the force’s dedicated team for rape and serious sexual assault cases. “The victim is being supported and given access to any specialist help or support she needs,” police said.
They added: “This is an active and sensitive investigation, so we’d respectfully ask people not to speculate on the circumstances so our enquiries can continue unhindered.” The man arrested has since been released on conditional bail while investigations continue.
Dan Norris first entered Parliament in 1997 during Tony Blair’s landslide victory, representing the former constituency of Wansdyke until 2010. During his time in office, he served as an assistant whip under Blair and later as a junior minister in Gordon Brown’s government.
In addition to his role as an MP, Mr Norris has been serving as the West of England mayor since 2021 but had already announced plans to step down ahead of the forthcoming local elections in May.
The police investigation remains at an early stage, and no charges have been brought at this time.
