Trauma support is being made available to staff at the West of England Combined Authority (WECA) after the Metro Mayor was arrested on suspicion of rape and child sex offences.
Metro Mayor Dan Norris at a building site | Photo © Freia Turland
Dan Norris, who has held the role leading the combined authority since 2021, was arrested on Friday 4th April on suspicion of sexual offences against a girl, rape, child abduction, and misconduct in a public office.
Avon & Somerset Police said most of the offences are alleged to have occurred in the 2000s but it was also investigating an alleged offence of rape in the 2020s.
An email to all staff at the West of England Combined Authority seen by the Local Democracy Reporting Service said the senior office team recognised the news was “unsettling and upsetting” and would affect people in different ways.
It said “specialist trauma support” would be available from Monday morning.
“We have been in touch with Avon and Somerset Police, who operate a victim-centred service and fully understand how difficult it can be to share sensitive experiences.
“They have asked us to reassure colleagues that any contact with them will be taken extremely seriously and they are committed to providing specialist support to anyone who reaches out.”
Norris has been released on conditional bail. Since the 2024 General Election, he has also been the Labour MP for North East Somerset and Hanham alongside being the Metro Mayor.
Under Labour Party policy, he is not standing for reelection as Metro Mayor in the upcoming election on Thursday 1st May. He was immediately suspended by the Labour Party following his arrest.
The email reads:
“The senior officer team has met following yesterday’s news concerning the Mayor. We fully recognise that this is unsettling and upsetting and that it will affect people in different ways.
“There are several ways to get in touch with the police: via the online reporting tool, or by calling 101 and asking for Bluestone. The online reporting tool also provides access to the Victim Information Booklet, which may be helpful.
“As we navigate the days ahead, I know that colleagues will continue to treat each other with kindness, care and respect.
“We will be holding a short all-staff call on Monday in that spirit and a calendar invitation will follow. Thank you.”
John Wimperis, Local Democracy Reporter
