Labour MP Dan Norris has been arrested on suspicion of rape and multiple child sex offences. Police took him into custody on Friday after searching his home in the North East Somerset constituency.
Norris, who formerly worked as a teacher and child protection officer, was immediately suspended from the Labour Party once officials were informed of the arrest. A party spokesperson confirmed the action, stating: “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.”
Currently, Norris serves as both the Mayor of the West of England and the MP for North East Somerset. He reclaimed the parliamentary seat from former Conservative minister Sir Jacob Rees-Mogg in the July general election with a margin of over 5,000 votes.
Avon and Somerset Police have launched a detailed investigation into the case, which involves a number of serious allegations. The alleged offences mostly date back to the 2000s, with one reported rape incident believed to have taken place in the 2020s.
A police spokesperson stated that the force received a referral from another police department in December 2024 regarding historic child sex abuse claims involving a girl. The investigation is being led by Operation Bluestone, the force’s specialist unit for rape and serious sexual offences.
The spokesperson added: “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. A man 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 public office. He has been released on conditional bail as our enquiries continue.”
Police also noted that the investigation is still in its early stages and emphasized that the victim is receiving appropriate support services. Authorities urged the public to avoid speculation in order to protect the integrity of the investigation.
This development presents a fresh challenge for Prime Minister Keir Starmer, as his government works to secure a trade agreement with the United States amidst rising global trade tensions. The arrest adds to the Labour Party’s recent personnel troubles, with another MP already having resigned after being convicted of assault.
Mike Amesbury, MP for Runcorn and Helsby, was found guilty of assaulting a constituent after an argument turned physical in October. Following his conviction, he resigned from Parliament, prompting a by-election set for May 1st.
Under UK law, an MP sentenced to prison triggers a recall petition in their constituency, typically resulting in a by-election.
Norris originally served as the Labour MP for Wansdyke — the predecessor to North East Somerset — from 1997 to 2010. He was appointed Environment Minister in the final year of Gordon Brown’s administration. After losing his seat to Jacob Rees-Mogg in the 2010 election, Norris became involved in David Miliband’s Labour leadership campaign and held roles in business and higher education, including with the Russell Group.
He was elected as Mayor of the West of England in 2021 and has held that position alongside his parliamentary seat since July 2024. Norris was expected to run for re-election as mayor in May, but was barred under Labour’s new rules prohibiting MPs from holding second jobs.
Norris holds a master’s degree in social work and has publicly identified as a qualified and formerly practicing child protection officer.
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