In a recent incident that has drawn significant attention, Labour MP Mike Amesbury has had the party whip suspended following the emergence of video footage that reportedly shows him punching a man to the ground. The footage, published by the Mail, appears to depict Amesbury, who represents Runcorn and Helsby, striking the individual in the face, causing him to fall, and then standing over him to deliver six additional punches to his head.
The security camera video captures Amesbury yelling, “You won’t threaten me again, will you?” in the heat of the moment. A Labour spokesperson confirmed that Amesbury is currently cooperating with Cheshire police, who are investigating the incident that reportedly occurred late Friday night. In light of the ongoing inquiry, the party has administratively suspended his membership, meaning he will not be counted as a Labour MP until further notice.
In a statement released Saturday evening, Amesbury explained, “Last night I was involved in an incident after I felt threatened on the street following an evening with friends. This morning, I reached out to Cheshire police to report what happened. I will not be making further comment but will, of course, cooperate with any inquiries if required by Cheshire police.”
According to Cheshire police, a 55-year-old man was voluntarily interviewed under caution regarding the event after they responded to reports of an attack in Frodsham around 2:48 AM Saturday. The police confirmed that the individual has since been released pending further inquiries.
This situation marks the eighth time a Labour MP has faced suspension of the whip since the July election, with Amesbury being the first to encounter such consequences due to allegations regarding personal conduct. The party had previously suspended seven other MPs who defied government initiatives concerning the two-child benefit cap.
The incident gained additional scrutiny after the release of a second video showcasing Amesbury’s behavior during the altercation, where bystanders expressed shock as one attempted to intervene. Witnesses indicated that Amesbury had approached the man shortly before the confrontation escalated, leading to the physical exchange.
Bridget Phillipson, the education secretary, commented on the situation, stating, “Mike Amesbury is cooperating fully with the police. He has taken the initiative to report the incident himself, and it is appropriate for the police to investigate and determine what further action, if any, is warranted.”
As this story unfolds, the Labour party appears to be taking a firm stance, especially in light of the troubling footage that has surfaced.
