A British MP has been arrested for the second time on suspicion of serious sex crimes, sparking widespread condemnation from politicians across the aisle. Dan Norris, a 66-year-old independent MP who defeated Jacob Rees-Mogg in the last election, was taken into custody by Avon and Somerset police on Tuesday.
The latest allegations centre around alleged rape, sexual assault, voyeurism, and upskirting against multiple women over two decades. Norris has repeatedly denied all the allegations, calling them "untrue" through his lawyers. The Labour Party, with whom Norris had previously been affiliated, suspended him last year after his initial arrest on similar charges.
The investigation into the latest allegations began in December 2024 and initially led to Norris's arrest on suspicion of sexual offences against a girl, rape, child abduction, and misconduct in public office in April. However, police later shifted their focus to the more serious allegations against women.
Avon and Somerset Police stated that they are no longer investigating alleged crimes against children but continue to investigate the original rape and misconduct in public office charges. The force acknowledged that probing these allegations can be "sensitive and complex", leading to lengthy investigations that keep victims updated on developments.
Meanwhile, a Labour Party spokesperson expressed their outrage over the new allegations, stating that anyone found guilty of such heinous crimes should face full justice. As Norris was already facing a high level of scrutiny as an MP, this latest development could put even more pressure on him to resign or be removed from office.
Norris had previously held prominent positions in government and charity work before entering politics again at the 2024 election.
The latest allegations centre around alleged rape, sexual assault, voyeurism, and upskirting against multiple women over two decades. Norris has repeatedly denied all the allegations, calling them "untrue" through his lawyers. The Labour Party, with whom Norris had previously been affiliated, suspended him last year after his initial arrest on similar charges.
The investigation into the latest allegations began in December 2024 and initially led to Norris's arrest on suspicion of sexual offences against a girl, rape, child abduction, and misconduct in public office in April. However, police later shifted their focus to the more serious allegations against women.
Avon and Somerset Police stated that they are no longer investigating alleged crimes against children but continue to investigate the original rape and misconduct in public office charges. The force acknowledged that probing these allegations can be "sensitive and complex", leading to lengthy investigations that keep victims updated on developments.
Meanwhile, a Labour Party spokesperson expressed their outrage over the new allegations, stating that anyone found guilty of such heinous crimes should face full justice. As Norris was already facing a high level of scrutiny as an MP, this latest development could put even more pressure on him to resign or be removed from office.
Norris had previously held prominent positions in government and charity work before entering politics again at the 2024 election.