Suspended Labour MP arrested for alleged second rape

Dan Norris had whip removed last year after original arrest on suspicion of historical child sex offence Telegraph Reporters 02 February 2026 2:10pm GMT The suspended Labour MP Dan Norris has been further arrested on suspicion of rape, sexual assault, voyeurism and upskirting.

The 66-year-old MP for North East Somerset and Hanham was suspended by the Labour Party and had the whip in the Commons removed last year after his original arrest on suspicion of historical child sex offences. Avon and Somerset police said it began investigating a man in his 60s in December 2024. He was initially arrested in April last year on suspicion of sexual offences against a girl, rape, child abduction and misconduct in public office. He has now been further arrested on suspicion of rape against a second woman, sexual assault against a third woman, and voyeurism and upskirting against a number of women. ‘Sensitive and complex’ investigations An Avon and Somerset Police spokesman said: “We are no longer actively investigating any sexual offences against children, but the original rape and misconduct in a public office investigation is continuing. All offences are alleged to have occurred between the 2000s and 2020s. “Investigations into sexual offences are sensitive and complex, and as a result it can take a significant amount of time for inquiries to be completed. “We are keeping victims updated on any developments, and we will continue to give access to any support they may need.” The man, whom police have not named, remains on conditional bail. In a statement on Monday, Mr Norris said: “I vigorously and entirely deny the serious allegations made against me. They are untrue. “I am challenging them through my legal representatives.” Mr Norris holds a master’s degree in social work and has described himself as “a qualified and former practising child protection officer”. He beat Sir Jacob Rees-Mogg, the Tory former cabinet minister, to be elected as MP for North East Somerset and Hanham at the 2024 general election. He was also the directly elected mayor of the West of England from 2021, stepping down after his election to Parliament. Mr Norris previously represented the the seat of Wansdyke from 1997 to 2010, which covered much of the constituency he now serves. He was a junior minister under Gordon Brown and an assistant whip under Sir Tony Blair.