The election agent of Dan Norris MP has expressed shock and dismay at the MP’s arrest on suspicion of rape and child sex offenses. Norris, representing North East Somerset and Hanham, was arrested on allegations of sexual offenses against a girl, rape, child abduction, and misconduct in a public office. Most of the alleged offenses are said to have occurred in the 2000s, with one alleged rape in 2020 also under investigation.
He has since been released on conditional bail, and the Labour Party, which had immediately suspended him upon learning of his arrest, has not issued further statements.
Grant Johnson, a Labour councillor on Bath and North East Somerset Council who was Norris’ election agent, expressed his shock at the allegations, stating that nothing could have prepared him for the seriousness of the charges. Johnson also expressed sympathy for those impacted and declined to make further comments.
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Norris, also serving as the West of England Metro Mayor, will soon step down from his role leading the West of England Combined Authority. As per Labour Party policy, he is not seeking reelection due to his MP position. Staff at the West of England Combined Authority are being offered specialist trauma support, and prospective Metro Mayor candidate Helen Godwin expressed her shock and dismay at the allegations against Norris.
She commended the Labour Party for swiftly suspending Norris and extended her thoughts to those affected, encouraging individuals to seek support from relevant organizations.