On Saturday, the Labour Party revealed that it has suspended MP Dan Norris after being informed of his arrest. The 65-year-old, who represents North East Somerset and Hanham, was taken into custody on Friday, according to a report by The Sun.
The arrest stems from claims of sexual offences involving a girl dating back to the 2000s, as well as a rape allegation from the 2020s. Avon and Somerset Police confirmed that Norris was also arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office.
"In December 2024, we received a referral from another police force relating to alleged non-recent child sex offences having been committed against a girl. 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,” Avon and Somerset police said.
“An investigation, led by officers within Operation Bluestone, our dedicated rape and serious sexual assault investigation team, remains ongoing and at an early stage. The victim is being supported and given access to any specialist help or support she needs.”
“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,” police added.
Norris served as a junior minister under former Prime Minister Gordon Brown and returned to Parliament in July 2024 after winning his seat in the general election. He was elected as Mayor of the West of England in 2021 but is ineligible to run again because he is now an MP.
In response to the arrest, the Labour Party released a statement in which it explained that, “Dan Norris MP was immediately suspended by the Labour Party upon being informed of his arrest.” The party declined to comment further while the police investigation is ongoing.
Norris has previously posted about being a “former Child Protection Officer” and has posted campaign ads in favor of protecting children online. Some have mocked the posts in light of the allegations against him.
