Labour MP Dan Norris suspended after arrest over rape and child abuse allegations

British MP Dan Norris has been suspended from the Labour party following his arrest on suspicion of rape and child sex offences.The 65-year-old, who represented North East Somerset and Hanham and is a former Labour minister, was taken into custody on Friday after police searched his constituency home. He has also been arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office.He has also been removed from the Labour group in the House of Commons.In a statement, Avon and Somerset police said that a man in his sixties was arrested on Friday 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 force confirmed it had received a referral from another police force in December 2024 regarding “alleged non-recent child sex offences.” Most of the offences are said to have taken place primarily in the 2000s, “we’re also investigating an alleged offence of rape from the 2020s,” they said, quoted by the Guardian.The inquiry is being led by officers from operation Bluestone, the force’s dedicated rape and serious sexual assault team. Police said the alleged victim is being supported and has been offered access to specialist help.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 spokesperson added.Norris previously served as the MP for Wansdyke between 1997 and 2010, and was elected as the mayor of the West of England in 2021. According to his official website, he trained with the NSPCC and has worked as a teacher and child protection officer.Separately, Norris has also faced allegations in connection with his role as chair of the anti-hunting charity league against cruel sports. He was accused of victimising a former employee and stepped down from the post in May 2024.