Labour MP Dan Norris has been arrested on suspicion of rape and child sex offences in a shocking development that sent tremors through Westminster yesterday.
The MP for North East Somerset and Hanhamβwho defeated Conservative heavyweight Jacob Rees-Mogg in last year’s general electionβwas immediately suspended from the Labour Party and had the whip withdrawn following his arrest on Friday.
Avon and Somerset Police confirmed they arrested a man in his sixties on suspicion of multiple serious offences, including 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.
According to police, most of the alleged offences date back to the 2000s, while the rape allegation is from the 2020s. The investigation began after a referral from another police force in December 2024.
“The victim is being supported and given access to any specialist help or support she needs,” the police statement said. “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 MP has been released on conditional bail while investigations continue.
A Labour Party spokesperson said: “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.”
The case represents yet another serious crisis for Parliament, which has faced numerous allegations of sexual misconduct against MPs across party lines in recent years. The investigation is being led by Operation Bluestone, the force’s dedicated rape and serious sexual assault investigation team.
Another ongoing investigation that continues is the arrest of former Labour Minister Ivor Caplin, arrested on suspicion ‘of engaging in sexual communication with a child’ – months after being suspended from the Labour Party over ‘serious allegations’.
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