A Labour MP suspended from the party has been arrested on additional allegations including rape, sexual assault, voyeurism and upskirting as a police investigation expands to include multiple alleged victims.
Dan Norris, who represents North East Somerset and Hanham, was initially detained in April 2025 on suspicion of sexual offences against a girl, rape, child abduction and misconduct in a public office. Avon and Somerset Police have now arrested him on further charges following continued inquiries.
The force’s Operation Bluestone team, which specialises in rape and serious sexual assault investigations, confirmed the man in his 60s has been arrested on suspicion of rape against a second woman, sexual assault against a third woman, and voyeurism and upskirting against a number of women.
Police stated they are no longer actively investigating any sexual offences against children, though the original rape and misconduct in public office investigation continues. All alleged offences are said to have occurred between the 2000s and 2020s.
Norris, who remains on conditional bail, has not attended Parliament since his release nine months ago. He released a statement vigorously denying the allegations, stating: “I vigorously and entirely deny the serious allegations made against me. They are untrue. I am challenging them through my legal representatives.”
The 67-year-old politician has continued as an independent MP following his suspension from Labour in April. According to the BBC, he stated after his first arrest that he continues to represent his constituents, stays across local and national developments, and handles casework and policy queries.
Norris’s political career spans decades, having first entered Parliament between 1997 and 2010 as MP for Wansdyke. During this period, he served as a junior minister under Gordon Brown and assistant whip during Tony Blair’s premiership.
He was elected mayor of the West of England from 2021 to 2025 before returning to Parliament at the 2024 General Election. His victory in North East Somerset and Hanham saw him defeat Conservative former cabinet minister Jacob Rees-Mogg in a high-profile contest.
Following his election to Parliament, Norris stepped down from his mayoral role. After his arrest in April, he also resigned as chairman of the animal welfare charity League Against Cruel Sports.
The Labour Party suspended Norris immediately upon being informed of his arrest in April. A party spokesman stated at the time: “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 spokesman added: “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.”
Avon and Somerset Police have not named the arrested individual, though Lantern Gazette understands the man to be Norris. The investigation began in December 2024 and is being led by officers with Operation Bluestone.
The MP remains on conditional bail as the investigation continues. No charges have been filed at this stage.
