The West of England Metro Mayor Dan Norris, who also represents North East Somerset and Hanham as an MP, has been suspended by the Labour Party after being arrested.
The West of England Mayor, Dan Norris | Photo © WECA
A man in his 60s, who the Bath Echo understands to be Mr Norris, was arrested on Friday 4th April, over allegations of rape and historic sex offences against a girl.
He was also arrested on suspicion of misconduct in a public office.
Avon & Somerset Police say they received a referral from another police force relating to non-recent offences, and they were also investigating an alleged rape in the 2020s.
Police have said they will not be confirming the identity of the arrested man, but they did confirm the man has been released on conditional bail while enquiries continue.
A spokesperson for Avon & Somerset Police said: “In December 2024, we received a referral from another police force relating to alleged non-recent child sex offences having been committed against a girl.
“Most of the offences are alleged to have occurred in the 2000s, but we’re also investigating an alleged offence of rape from the 2020s.
“An investigation, led by officers within Operation Bluestone, our dedicated rape and serious sexual assault investigation team, remains ongoing and at an early stage.
“The victim is being supported and given access to any specialist help or support she needs.
“A man, aged in his sixties, was arrested on Friday (April 4) 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.”
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.”
Metro Mayor Dan Norris cycling | Photo courtesy of WECA
Dan Norris, a former government minister and trained child protection officer, was elected as the regional mayor for the West of England in May 2021.
A spokesperson for the West of England Combined Authority, which Mr Norris leads, said: “We are aware of Avon & Somerset Police’s statement but are unable to comment on an ongoing police investigation.”
It is understood that his administrative suspension by the Labour Party, pending investigation, has the automatic effect of suspending the Labour whip in the House of Commons.
Dan Norris unseated Jacob Rees-Mogg at the election in July 2024, becoming the MP for North East Somerset and Hanham.
Voters will be heading to polls this May to elect a new West of England Metro Mayor, following a rule change which meant Mr Norris couldn’t stand as an MP and regional mayor at the same time.
