Labour MP Dan Norris has been arrested over allegations of rape and child abuse, prompting the party to suspend him. The North East Somerset MP was taken into custody following a police raid on his constituency home. Labour has suspended Norris, who also represents Hanham, after his arrest on suspicion of rape and child sex offences.
Norris, a former Labour minister who defeated Jacob Rees-Mogg in last year’s general election, was detained after police searched his home on Friday. Authorities also confirmed that he was arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office.
Previously, Norris served as the MP for Wansdyke from 1997 to 2010 and became mayor of the west of England in 2021. His constituency website highlights his training with the NSPCC and his work as a teacher and child protection officer.
Avon and Somerset Police released a statement saying: “A man aged in his sixties was arrested on Friday on suspicion of sexual offences against a girl (under the Sexual Offences Act 1956), rape (under the Sexual Offences Act 2003), child abduction, and misconduct in a public office. He’s been released on conditional bail for enquiries to continue. 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 police added: “In December 2024, we received a referral from another police force relating to alleged non-recent child sex offences 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. 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.”
A spokesperson for the Labour Party stated: “Dan Norris MP was immediately suspended by the Labour party upon being informed of his arrest. We cannot comment further while the police investigation is ongoing.” Additionally, Norris has had the Labour whip in the House of Commons removed.
Norris, aged 65, is also facing controversy over his tenure as chair of the anti-hunting charity League Against Cruel Sports after being accused of victimising a former employee. He stepped down from this role at the charity in May last year.
