By John Wimperis, Local Democracy Reporter: MP Dan Norris has insisted he is serving his constituents to the best of his ability in one of his first public statements since he was arrested on suspicion of rape in 2025.
Mr Norris has been further arrested on suspicion of rape against a second woman, sexual assault against a third woman, and voyeurism and upskirting against a number of women, it was revealed this week. Mr Norris, who remains on conditional bail, has not been charged with any offence and has said he “vigorously and entirely” denies the allegations.
He continues to be the North East Somerset and Hanham MP but is understood to have been banned from entering Parliament, under rules that can restrict access to MPs arrested on suspicion of a violent or sexual offence, since shortly after his initial arrest in April 2025. There have been calls locally for Mr Norris to step down, but the MP has said he is continuing to do his job.
Mr Norris told the Local Democracy Reporting Service on February 6: “I would like to make clear that I am still representing constituents on a broad range of issues, including handling casework and policy, submitting written questions, voting by proxy and staying across all local and national developments in order to continue to serve constituents to the best of my ability.
“My constituency office is operating as usual, prioritising the most urgent cases as always, replying to all constituents, resolving issues with public bodies and raising broader policy concerns in Parliament.”
It is the first time that Mr Norris has responded to a request for comment from the Local Democracy Reporting Service since shortly after his initial arrest in April 2025, when a member of his team confirmed that staff were continuing to work on casework.
The MP only broke his public silence earlier this week when he said in a statement after his further arrest: “I vigorously and entirely deny the serious allegations made against me. They are untrue. I am challenging them through my legal representatives.”
Parliament’s register of interests of member’s staff shows that, as of December, Mr Norris no longer has any staff with a pass to enter the parliamentary estate. Mr Norris responded himself to an email to his constituency office asking how many staff continued to work there, although he did not directly address the question.
Almost 1,500 people signed a petition started by North East Somerset and Hanham constituent Andrew Gray and sent to Mr Norris in December, calling for him to step down. It said locals respected the principle of innocent until proven guilty but that the restriction on his attending Parliament had “created a situation that many residents feel is untenable.”
Mr Norris continues to vote frequently via proxy, with his proxy vote being cast by the Labour whips despite the party having suspended him after his initial arrest.
Avon and Somerset Police, who have not named Mr Norris, said in a statement on Monday (February 2): “An investigation into allegations of non-recent sexual offences which resulted in the arrest of a man in his sixties is continuing. The investigation, which is being led by officers with Operation Bluestone, our dedicated rape and serious sexual assault investigation team, began in December 2024.
“The man was initially arrested in April 2025 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.
“Following our enquiries, the man has been further arrested on suspicion of rape against a second woman, sexual assault against a third woman, as well as voyeurism and upskirting against a number of women. We’re 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 enquiries to be completed. The man remains on conditional bail.
“We’re keeping victims updated on any developments and we’ll continue to give access to any support they may need. We’d respectfully ask people not to speculate on the circumstances so our enquiries can continue unhindered.”
Bath Voice and Local Democracy Reporters
The journalists are funded by the BBC as part of its latest Charter commitment, but are employed by regional news organisations. A total of 165 reporters are allocated to news organisations in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland including Bath Voice. These organisations range from television and radio stations to online media companies and established regional newspaper groups. Local Democracy Reporters cover top-tier local authorities, second-tier local authorities and other public service organisations.
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