MP banned from Weca headquarters after rape arrest

An MP has been banned from entering the West of England Combined Authority's (Weca) headquarters after he was arrested on suspicion of rape and child sex offences.

Dan Norris, who is both Weca's metro mayor and the MP for North East Somerset and Hanham, was also questioned on suspicion of child abduction and misconduct in a public office on 4 April and has been released on conditional bail.

Weca's chief executive told staff in an email seen by the BBC that Mr Norris' building access has been deactivated, and his access to the IT system has been removed.

Mr Norris' term as mayor comes to an end in three weeks when elections are held on 1 May. The BBC has contacted Mr Norris for comment.

He is not standing as a candidate after rules preventing MPs holding second jobs were introduced.

Stephen Peacock, Weca's chief executive, said Mr Norris has been informed he should not enter the building, in the Redcliffe area of in Bristol, or attend any meetings on behalf of the authority.

Mr Peacock also said mayor's access to Parliament has been revoked.

Mr Norris has not been suspended as mayor because "there is no provision" under Weca's constitution for this action.

Avon and Somerset Police previously said "most of the offences are alleged to have occurred in the 2000s but we are also investigating an alleged offence of rape from the 2020s".

The victim is being supported and given access to specialist help, police added.

An email to staff, seen by the BBC, said senior officers at Weca were in touch with police to offer support to colleagues.

A statement from the leaders of Bristol City Council, South Gloucestershire Council, and Bath & North East Somerset Council - which all sit on Weca - said: "At our respective councils, we have taken steps to ensure that any staff who may have been affected have access to the appropriate support."

The statement added they "look forward to working with the new mayor after 1 May".

The Labour Party said it "immediately suspended" Mr Norris after being made aware of his arrest.

The suspension means Mr Norris has also had the party whip suspended, meaning he is not able to sit as a Labour MP in the Commons.

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