Today : Feb 02, 2026
Politics
02 February 2026

British MP Dan Norris Rearrested Amid New Sex Allegations

Dan Norris, suspended from Labour and now an independent MP, faces fresh accusations of rape, sexual assault, and misconduct as police investigations intensify and public calls for his resignation grow.

Dan Norris, a 66-year-old British Member of Parliament, finds himself at the center of a storm after being rearrested on February 2, 2026, in connection with a string of serious sexual offense allegations. The case, unfolding over the past year, has sent shockwaves through Westminster and the North East Somerset and Hanham constituency Norris represents—a seat he won in July 2024 after defeating Conservative stalwart Jacob Rees-Mogg, according to BBC News and The Guardian.

Norris, who was suspended from the Labour Party following his initial arrest in April 2025, now sits as an independent MP. The latest developments see him accused of an even broader range of alleged offenses: the rape of a second woman, sexual assault against a third woman, voyeurism, and upskirting multiple women. These allegations add to the original charges, which included sexual offenses against a girl, child abduction, and rape. However, Avon and Somerset Police have since confirmed they are no longer investigating the child sexual offenses or abduction aspects of the case. The investigation’s focus now centers on the alleged adult offenses and misconduct in public office, with all incidents said to have occurred between the 2000s and 2020s.

In a statement issued to the press and cited by The Independent, Norris forcefully rejected the allegations: “I vigorously and entirely deny the serious allegations made against me. They are untrue. I am challenging them through my legal representatives.” This categorical denial has been repeated consistently since the onset of the investigation, and Norris remains on conditional bail as inquiries continue.

The police investigation, which began in December 2024, has been described as “sensitive and complex.” A spokesperson for Avon and Somerset Police told BBC News: “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.” The force also urged the public and media not to speculate, emphasizing the need for a fair process and the protection of all involved.

Despite the gravity of the accusations and the ongoing police inquiry, Norris has not resigned from Parliament. He has, however, been absent from the House of Commons since his initial arrest in April 2025, relying on proxy voting to fulfill his parliamentary duties. This absence has sparked considerable debate among his constituents and within the wider political community.

Public frustration has manifested in a petition, which has gathered more than 2,000 signatures, calling for Norris’s resignation on the grounds that he cannot fully support his constituency while under investigation and absent from Parliament. Nevertheless, under current parliamentary rules, Norris would only lose his position as an MP if he were charged, convicted, and sentenced to jail—a threshold not yet met in his case.

Norris’s political career has spanned decades. Before his recent election, he served as the West of England Mayor from 2021 to May 2025, stepping down after his successful parliamentary campaign. He previously represented the Wansdyke constituency from 1997 to 2010, a seat that covers much of his current patch, and held junior ministerial roles under Gordon Brown and was an assistant whip during Tony Blair’s tenure, as highlighted by The Guardian. After his initial arrest last year, Norris also stepped down as chair of the animal welfare charity League Against Cruel Sports, a move reflecting the seriousness with which the allegations have been received across the sectors he has served.

The Labour Party, for its part, acted swiftly upon learning of Norris’s April 2025 arrest. A spokesperson stated: “These new allegations are deeply concerning, and any person found guilty of such abhorrent crimes must face the full force of the law. We cannot comment further while the police investigation is ongoing.” Labour’s decision to suspend Norris and remove the party whip was immediate, underscoring the party’s zero-tolerance approach to such allegations. Since then, Norris has been sitting as an independent MP, a status that further isolates him politically as the investigation continues.

His successor as West of England Mayor, Helen Godwin, who took office in May 2025, has refrained from commenting directly on the case, citing the ongoing police inquiry. She did, however, offer a brief statement, saying: “My thoughts are with everyone affected by today’s deeply upsetting further news.”

For his constituents, the situation is fraught. Norris has asserted, via statements reported by BBC News, that he continues “to represent” them by staying abreast of local and national developments, handling casework, policy queries, and parliamentary questions remotely. Still, the absence of their MP from Westminster and the cloud of suspicion hanging over him have led to growing calls for accountability and transparency.

The case also highlights the challenges faced by police and prosecutors in investigating historic allegations of sexual misconduct, particularly when they involve public figures. Avon and Somerset Police have emphasized the complexity of such inquiries, noting that “it can take a significant amount of time for inquiries to be completed.” The force has reiterated its commitment to supporting victims throughout the process and providing regular updates as the investigation progresses.

Politically, the Norris case comes at a time when public trust in elected officials is under intense scrutiny. The swift action by Labour to suspend Norris may be seen as part of a broader effort to restore confidence in political institutions, but the ongoing nature of the inquiry and Norris’s refusal to resign ensure that the issue remains a live one for Parliament and the public alike.

As Norris’s legal team continues to contest the allegations, and as police press on with their investigation, the outcome remains uncertain. For now, the case stands as a stark reminder of the complexities and sensitivities involved when criminal allegations intersect with public office, and of the importance of due process for all parties involved.

With the investigation ongoing and the political fallout still unfolding, all eyes remain on both the legal process and the response from Parliament, the Labour Party, and the people of North East Somerset and Hanham.