By John Ogunsemore
The UK Labour Party has suspended the Member of Parliament for North East Somerset and Hanham, Dan Norris following his arrest by police for alleged rape.
“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,” a spokesperson for the ruling party said.
On Friday, Avon and Somerset Police confirmed the arrest of a man in his 60s on suspicion of rape, child sex offences, child abduction and misconduct in a public office.
The police said the suspect was later released on conditional bail.
A police statement reads, “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.
“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 man, aged in his 60s, was arrested on Friday (April 4) 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 65-year-old Norris, who has been West of England mayor since 2021, defeated Jacob Rees-Mogg to win the new seat of North East Somerset and Hanham in the House of Commons in the 2024 general election.
Norris was first elected into parliament in 1997, serving as Wansdyke MP until 2010.