Keir Starmer could face his first by-election after a Labour MP was seen in a video appearing to hit a man in the face.
Mike Amesbury has been suspended following a 3am clash in the street. The clip also seems to show the 55-year-old hitting a man several times while on the ground. Cheshire Police are looking into the incident.
Cabinet Minister Pat McFadden did not rule out the prospect of a by-election in Mr Amesbury’s seat of Runcorn and Helsby when asked about the incident on Monday. Pressed on Sky News if there could be a vote for a new MP in the constituency, he said: “I don’t know. Let’s see what the police say.”
He added: “He’s been suspended by the Labour Party. That also means he’s not a Labour MP at the moment while the police investigation takes place. I’ve seen the video. There’s a police investigation and it’s important that runs its course.”
A by-election can be triggered for a number of reasons, including if an MP resigns or dies, is declared bankrupt, or is convicted of a serious criminal offence. A recall petition may take place which gives voters in the constituency a chance to say whether they want their MP to lose their seat and trigger a by-election.
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Daily Mail)
The incident first came to light when mobile phone footage appeared to show Mr Amesbury standing over a man who had been laid out on the pavement. The former shadow minister seemed to be telling him: “You won’t ever threaten me again.” The Mirror has contacted Mr Amesbury for comment.
New CCTV recordings, obtained by the Daily Mail, seem to show the backbencher throwing a punch at the man – although it’s not clear what sparked the incident. The pair’s conversation in the lead-up to the punch cannot be made out in the footage.
It goes on to show the man being hit six times. A group of stunned onlookers are shown surrounding Mr Amesbury. One woman could be heard shouting: “You’re like grown men, what are you fighting for.”
As Mr Amesbury walks away from the scene, an onlooker points out he’s the MP for Runcorn. He turns around and approaches the man again, shouting: “Yes I am, and you won’t threaten the MP ever again, will you?”
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Sky News)
After fresh footage emerged on Sunday, a Labour spokesman told The Mirror: “Mike Amesbury MP has been assisting Cheshire Police with their inquiries following an incident on Friday night. As these inquiries are now ongoing, the Labour Party has administratively suspended Mr Amesbury’s membership of the Labour Party pending an investigation.”
Labour sources previously said on Sunday morning, before the footage emerged, that the whip had not been withdrawn. Cheshire Police confirmed officers were called to reports of an attack in Frodsham at 2.48am and “inquiries are ongoing”.
On Saturday, Mr Amesbury said in a social media post: “Last night, I was involved in an incident that took place after I felt threatened on the street following an evening out with friends. This morning, I contacted Cheshire Police myself to report what happened during the incident.
“I will not be making further public comment but will, of course, co-operate with any inquiries if required by Cheshire Police. 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.”