Dan Norris, a former Labour minister and now an independent MP, has been arrested for a second time on suspicion of rape, sexual assault, voyeurism and upskirting.
Labour suspended Norris, 66, who defeated Jacob Rees-Mogg at the last election, last year after his original arrest.
Norris has denied the allegations. In a statement, he said: “I vigorously and entirely deny the serious allegations made against me. They are untrue. I am challenging them through my legal representatives.”
Avon and Somerset police began investigating a man in his 60s in December 2024. He was initially arrested in April 2025 on suspicion of sexual offences against a girl, rape, child abduction and misconduct in public office.
Norris has now been further arrested on suspicion of raping a woman, sexually assaulting another woman, and voyeurism and upskirting against a number of women.
A spokesperson for the force 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.”
Norris, whom police have not named, remains on conditional bail.
A Labour party spokesperson said: “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.”
Norris defeated Rees-Mogg to become the 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 to 2025. Labour’s Helen Godwin was elected as his successor in the May 2025 elections.
Norris had previously been in parliament from 1997 to 2010, representing the seat of Wansdyke, which covers much of the seat he now serves.
He was a junior minister under Gordon Brown and an assistant whip under Tony Blair. After his arrest he stepped down as chair of the animal welfare charity League Against Cruel Sports.
