In the wake of MP and Metro Mayor Dan Norris' suspension from the Labour Party amidst serious criminal allegations, the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority (WECA) has broken its silence, almost a week after his arrest. Last Friday, Norris was arrested by Avon and Somerset Police on suspicion of rape and child sex offences, with a formal investigation currently underway.

On Wednesday (April 9), WECA issued reassurances to residents in the region that, despite the arrest, they are still able to carry out "effective decision making". The authority also mentioned that they are extending the necessary support to any staff members who might be affected by these events.

In their statement, the authority expressed eagerness to work with Mr Norris' successor, who is set to be elected in the upcoming Mayoral election slated for May 1, less than a month after the allegations came to light. However, in the meantime, the mayor has been barred from WECA's offices.

According to an email seen by the BBC and sent by WECA's chief executive, the MP has had his credential to access the authority's offices in Redcliffe, Bristol, removed. In addition, they have removed his ability to access their IT system amid the police investigation.

The committee members of the Mayoral Combined Authority stated: "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 officials in the region, and in continued partnership with national Government, our important 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."

BristolLive reported that the MP for North East Somerset and Hanham was arrested on suspicion of rape and child sex 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 home last Friday (April 4).

Following the arrest, he has been stripped of the party whip in the House of Commons. A Labour Party spokesperson said: "Dan Norris MP was immediately suspended by the Labour Party upon being informed of his arrest.

"We cannot comment further while 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 man, aged in his sixties, was arrested on Friday (April 4) on suspicion of sexual offences against a girl (under the Sexual Offences Act 1956), rape (under the Sexual Offences Act 2003), child abduction and misconduct in a public office.

"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."