Dan Norris, the independent MP for North East Somerset and Hanham, has been arrested for a second time on suspicion of rape, sexual assault, voyeurism and upskirting. The 66-year-old former Labour minister was initially arrested in April 2025 on suspicion of sexual offences against a child, rape, child abduction and misconduct in public office.
Avon and Somerset Police confirmed that they are no longer actively investigating any sexual offences against children, but the original rape and misconduct in public office investigation continues. The new allegations involve the rape of a woman, sexual assault of another woman, and voyeurism and upskirting against a number of women. All offences are alleged to have occurred between the 2000s and 2020s.
Norris, who has not been named by police, remains on conditional bail. In a statement, he said: “I vigorously and entirely deny the serious allegations made against me. They are untrue. I am challenging them through my legal representatives.”
Labour suspended Norris last year after his original arrest. A Labour spokesperson said: “These new allegations are deeply concerning, and any person found guilty of such abhorrent crimes must face the full force of the law. We cannot comment further while the police investigation is ongoing.”
Norris defeated Jacob Rees-Mogg at the 2024 general election to become MP for North East Somerset and Hanham. He previously served as MP for Wansdyke from 1997 to 2010 and was the directly elected mayor of the West of England from 2021 to 2025. After his arrest, he stepped down as chair of the animal welfare charity League Against Cruel Sports.
