In the wake of MP and Metro Mayor Dan Norris’ suspension from the Labour Party amidst severe felony allegations, the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority (WECA) has damaged its silence, nearly every week after his arrest. Last Friday, Norris was arrested by Avon and Somerset Police on suspicion of rape and little one intercourse offences, with a proper investigation at the moment underway.
On Wednesday (April 9), WECA issued reassurances to residents within the area that, regardless of the arrest, they’re nonetheless in a position to perform “effective decision making”. The authority additionally talked about that they’re extending the mandatory help to any workers members who could be affected by these occasions.
In their assertion, the authority expressed eagerness to work with Mr Norris’ successor, who is ready to be elected within the upcoming Mayoral election slated for May 1, lower than a month after the allegations got here to gentle. However, within the meantime, the mayor has been barred from WECA’s workplaces.
According to an electronic mail seen by the BBC and despatched by WECA’s chief government, the MP has had his credential to entry the authority’s workplaces in Redcliffe, Bristol, eliminated. In addition, they’ve eliminated his potential to entry their IT system amid the police investigation.
The committee members of the Mayoral Combined Authority said: “Following the news over the weekend, we want to reassure people across the West of England and beyond that effective decision making at the combined authority remains in place.
“Working with senior officers within the area, and in continued partnership with nationwide Government, our essential work continues.
“At our respective councils, we have taken steps to ensure that any staff who may have been affected have access to the appropriate support. With the pre-election period already underway, and any major decisions set for future committee meetings, we look forward to working with the new Mayor after the election on 1 May.”
BristolStay reported that the MP for North East Somerset and Hanham was arrested on suspicion of rape and little one intercourse offences. The politician, aged 65 and serving as Mayor of the West of England since 2021, was taken into custody following a police raid at his constituency house final Friday (April 4).
Following the arrest, he has been stripped of the celebration whip within the House of Commons. A Labour Party spokesperson mentioned: “Dan Norris MP was immediately suspended by the Labour Party upon being informed of his arrest.
“We can’t remark additional whereas the police investigation is ongoing.”
Avon and Somerset Police said that a man in his sixties had been arrested on Friday on suspicion of sexual offences against a girl, rape, child abduction and misconduct in a public office.
In a statement the force said: “In December 2024, we received a referral from another police force relating to alleged non-recent child sex offences having been committed against a girl.
“Most of the offences are alleged to have occurred in the 2000s, but we’re also investigating an alleged offence of rape from the 2020s.
“An investigation, led by officers within Operation Bluestone, our dedicated rape and serious sexual assault investigation team, remains ongoing and at an early stage. The victim is being supported and given access to any specialist help or support she needs.
“A person, aged in his sixties, was arrested on Friday (April 4) on suspicion of sexual offences towards a lady (below the Sexual Offences Act 1956), rape (below the Sexual Offences Act 2003), little one abduction and misconduct in a public workplace.
“He’s been released on conditional bail for enquiries to continue. This is an active and sensitive investigation, so we’d respectfully ask people not to speculate on the circumstances so our enquiries can continue unhindered.”
https://www.express.co.uk/news/uk/2039609/mayor-office-statement-dan-norris-mp-rape-arrest