Labour MP Mike Amesbury has been suspended after a late-night confrontation in the street which allegedly saw him punch a man to the ground.
The 55-year-old was caught on camera seemingly taking a swing at a bloke during the scrap on Saturday. The coppers from Cheshire are looking at claims of an assault.
The whole drama kicked off when mobile footage showed the ex-shadow minister Mr Amesbury looming over a chap sprawled on the pavement, apparently warning him: “You won’t ever threaten me again.”
Read more – Labour MP filmed in street over ‘dazed’ man shouting – ‘you won’t threaten me again’
Fresh CCTV clips obtained by the Daily Mail allegedly shows the backbencher punching the man – though it’s not clear how the ugly scenes started.
Earlier on, Labour’s Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson said it was a “matter for police” when she was quizzed over Mr Amesbury, reports the Mirror.
(Image: Daily Mail)
She mentioned: “Mike Amesbury, who’s the MP in question, has gone forward to the police. He is co-operating with any investigation they would want to take forward. It is a matter for the police and we want to allow them to do that work.”
And she added: “I think that’s the right approach. And of course, the police should now act in whatever way they see fit.”
Before the video came out this morning, Labour insiders said the whip hadn’t been yanked yet. Cheshire Police have confirmed they got a call about a kerfuffle in Frodsham at 2.48am and “inquiries are ongoing”.
On Saturday, Mr Amesbury took to social media, revealing: “Last night, I was involved in an incident that took place after I felt threatened on the street following an evening out with friends.”
He continued his online statement by adding: “This morning, I contacted Cheshire Police myself to report what happened during the incident.”
The MP also declared: “I will not be making further public comment but will, of course, co-operate with any inquiries if required by Cheshire Police.”
Emphasising his dedication, he concluded: “I remain fully committed to working hard for the people of Runcorn and Helsby, and am determined to remain an open and accessible MP for our community.”