Independent MP Arrested Again on Sexual Offence Allegations
An independent Member of Parliament has been arrested for a second time on suspicion of multiple sexual offences.
Dan Norris, 66, a former Labour MP, remains under investigation regarding the alleged rape of one woman and has been further arrested on suspicion of raping a second woman, sexually assaulting a third woman, voyeurism, and upskirting.
The former West of England Mayor was initially arrested in April 2025 on suspicion of sexual offences involving a girl, child abduction, and the rape of a woman. Authorities have since ceased investigating the alleged child sexual offences and abduction.
Norris issued a statement denying all allegations against him.
"I vigorously and entirely deny the serious allegations made against me. They are untrue.
I am challenging them through my legal representatives."
He is also under investigation for alleged misconduct in a public office and remains on conditional bail.
All alleged offences are reported to have occurred between the 2000s and 2020s.
Political Career and Party Response
Norris was elected as a Labour MP for North East Somerset and Hanham in July 2024, defeating Conservative MP Jacob Rees-Mogg.
Upon learning of his April arrest, the Labour Party immediately suspended him.
Despite suspension, Norris has refused to resign from his parliamentary seat. He currently sits as an independent MP but has not attended the House of Commons since his arrest. He continues to vote by proxy.
A petition demanding Norris' resignation, citing his inability to fully support his constituency, has garnered over 2,000 signatures.
Previously, Norris stated that he continues to represent his constituents, remains informed on local and national developments, and manages casework, policy queries, and parliamentary questions.
He has indicated that he would only lose his MP position if charged, convicted, and imprisoned.
Mayoral Term and Police Investigation
Norris' tenure as West of England Mayor ended in May 2025, when Helen Godwin succeeded him.
Godwin declined to comment on the ongoing police investigation but expressed sympathy.
"My thoughts are with everyone affected by today's deeply upsetting further news."
Avon and Somerset Police confirmed their investigation began in December 2024.
"Investigations into sexual offences are sensitive and complex and as a result it can take a significant amount of time for enquiries to be completed," a police spokesperson said.
"We're keeping victims updated on any developments and we'll continue to give access to any support they may need.
"We'd respectfully ask people not to speculate on the circumstances so our enquiries can continue unhindered."
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