News / Politics
Dan Norris petition starter ‘will not accept being left voiceless’ as MP declines to resign
A suspended MP’s refusal to resign has sparked anger from a petition creator who says he cannot carry out his political duties.
Andrew Gray called for his MP to step down, saying: “I don’t believe Dan Norris can fully support the constituency of North East Somerset and Hanham having been suspended from the Labour Party and barred from attending parliament following his arrest on suspicion of rape and child sex offences.”
Norris was arrested in April 2025 on suspicion on sexual offences against a girl, rape, child abduction and misconduct in a public office.
He was re-arrested in 2026 on suspicion of rape against a second woman, sexual assault against a third woman, as well as voyeurism and upskirting against a number of women.
Police said they are no longer actively investigating any sexual offences against children, and Norris has denied any wrongdoing.
Andrew Gray started a petition calling for Norris’ resignation – photo: Andrew Gray
Gray stressed: “Dan Norris is innocent until proven guilty” but said: “Regardless of the outcome, these allegations severely undermine his ability to effectively represent us in Parliament.
“The constituents of Hanham and North East Somerset have the right to be represented by someone who can fully dedicate themselves to pressing local and national issues without the burden of personal legal battles. It’s crucial for Dan Norris to step down, allowing a by-election to appoint a representative who can commit perennially to the welfare of our communities.”
However, Gray has expressed frustration at Norris’ refusal to resign, pointing to emails between the two where the MP said: “My position has not changed. Yours too has remained the same. In the circumstances it would seem that we are going to have to agree to disagree on this matter.”
“This is unacceptable,” Gray said in a petition update. “Democratic representation is not something we can simply ‘agree to disagree’ on.
“We either have an MP who can walk into the House of Commons to fight for our local funding and resolve our issues, or we don’t. Right now, we don’t.
“We will not accept being left voiceless in Westminster,” he added.
Gray said he has forwarded the emails to the Labour chief whip’s office and the leader of the House of Commons.
Norris said: “I vigorously deny the allegations made against me as they are untrue. I’m challenging them through my legal representatives.
“I continue to represent my constituents on a broad range of issues. This includes handling casework and policy queries. I ask official parliamentary questions on many topics, carefully consider the issues to decide which way I’m going to vote, and stay across local and national developments,” he said.
Main photo: Rob Browne
Read next: Dan Norris rearrested over more alleged serious sexual offences
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