MP refuses to resign after child sex offences arrest

An MP arrested on suspicion of rape, child sex offences and child abduction has refused to step down, despite calls for his resignation.

Dan Norris, MP for North East Somerset and Hanham, was suspended from the Labour Party in April and has not attended Parliament since his release on police bail nine months ago.

A petition claiming he cannot "fully support" his constituency and demanding his resignation has attracted more than 2,000 signatures.

In his first statement since his arrest, Mr Norris said he continues "to represent" his constituents as well as "staying across local and national developments".

He added that he was also "handling casework and policy queries and asking parliamentary questions".

Avon and Somerset Police confirmed its investigation is ongoing, with the MP remaining on conditional bail.

Legally he would only lose his position as an MP if he was charged and convicted.

But there is frustration among constituents who claim they do not have a fully functioning MP.

Some have urged neighbouring MP Anna Sabine, who represents Frome and East Somerset, to support them.

"A lot of residents are coming to me seeking help, because they feel like they're not getting help from their MP," she said.

"I can't help constituents from other MPs' seats, and so I think there's a real challenge around how people in his constituency get served by their MP."

A petition calling for Norris to stand down has garnered 2,100 signatures.

It states: "These allegations severely undermine his ability to effectively represent us in Parliament."

If an MP is convicted of an offence and given a custodial sentence, a recall petition would be triggered.

According to the Electoral Commission, at least 10% of voting constituents need to sign a recall petition for the MP to lose their seat, which would then trigger a by-election.

The recalled MP can stand as a candidate at the by-election. If less than 10% of voters in the constituency sign the petition, the MP remains in office.

Mr Norris was one of the south-west of England's most high-profile politicians before his arrest.

In 2024, he was elected as the MP for North East Somerset and Hanham, defeating Conservative MP Jacob Rees-Mogg.

At the time of his arrest in April 2025, he was also the Mayor of the West of England, but his term came to an end in May, when he was replaced by Helen Godwin.

Since his arrest, he has not attended the House of Commons, though he is still able to vote by proxy.

Labour has said that the MP's office is still dealing with constituents' problems.

However, they cannot say how long this will continue.

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