Thousands of constituents are demanding the immediate resignation of independent MP Dan Norris from his Hanham and North Somerset seat, following his second arrest on suspicion of multiple serious sexual offences. A petition calling for his departure has now surpassed 3,000 signatures, with organisers arguing he cannot effectively represent the area while under police investigation.
Second Arrest and Serious Allegations
Mr Norris, a 66-year-old former Labour MP, was arrested this week on suspicion of rape against a second woman, sexual assault against a third woman, and voyeurism and upskirting offences against several women. This follows his initial arrest in April last year on suspicion of sexual offences against a girl, rape, child abduction, and misconduct in a public office. He was subsequently suspended from the Labour Party and had the whip removed.
The independent MP, who famously defeated Conservative Jacob Rees-Mogg at the last election, has vehemently denied all allegations. In a statement issued on Monday, Mr Norris declared: "I vigorously and entirely deny the serious allegations made against me. They are untrue. I am challenging them through my legal representatives."
Constituency Petition Gains Momentum
The petition, launched in his North Somerset and Hanham constituency, has gained significant traction following news of the latest arrest. The organiser contends that Mr Norris cannot properly fulfil his parliamentary duties while facing such serious police investigations. Despite the mounting pressure, Mr Norris has indicated he intends to continue representing his constituents.
In a December response to the petition, Mr Norris stated he would "continue to represent my constituents on a broad range of issues" by handling casework and policy queries, submitting parliamentary questions, and voting. He has continued to vote by proxy in the House of Commons, including on youth unemployment matters last week.
Police Investigation Details
Avon and Somerset Police confirmed they began investigating a man in his sixties in December 2024, though they have not publicly named Mr Norris. All alleged offences are said to have occurred between the 2000s and 2020s. In a recent update, a police spokesperson revealed they are no longer actively investigating sexual offences against children, but the original rape and misconduct in a public office investigation continues.
The man remains on conditional bail. The police spokesperson emphasised: "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. We are keeping victims updated on any developments, and we will continue to give access to any support they may need."
Political Career and Local Reaction
Mr Norris is a well-known figure in West Country political circles. He served as the directly elected Mayor of the West of England from 2021 to 2025 and previously represented the Wansdyke constituency in Parliament from 1997 to 2010, which covers much of the area he currently serves.
Current West of England Mayor Helen Godwin declined to comment on the ongoing police investigation but expressed her concern: "My thoughts are with everyone affected by today's deeply upsetting further news. After a weekend of awful revelations in the Epstein papers, these latest allegations are a reminder that everyone – and in particular those in positions of power – must be robustly held to account where any offences are proven."
The situation continues to develop as constituents, political figures, and legal authorities monitor the investigation's progress and the growing public demand for accountability from elected representatives facing serious criminal allegations.
