In a shocking turn of events, Mike Amesbury, the Labour MP for Runcorn and Helsby, has been handed a 10-week prison sentence for assaulting a constituent. The incident, which occurred in October 2022, is yet another headache for under fire PM, Keir Starmer, and has raised questions about the conduct of elected officials.
Amesbury, 55, was found guilty of a Section 39 assault after CCTV footage emerged showing him striking Paul Fellows, 45, during a late-night altercation in Frodsham, Cheshire. The MP, who had been drinking prior to the incident, knocked Fellows to the ground and continued to punch him multiple times.
The sentence was delivered by Deputy Senior District Judge Tan Ikram at Chester Magistrates’ Court. Judge Ikram emphasised the gravity of Amesbury’s actions, stating, “Your profile and position of power as a servant of the people ought to be a role model to others. That is something you have to be mindful of in all that you do.”
The Labour Party has since suspended Amesbury’s membership, and he will now serve as an independent MP. The conviction has sparked calls for his resignation and could potentially trigger a by-election in his constituency.
The Incident and Its Aftermath
The altercation took place in the early hours of 26 October 2022 on Main Street in Frodsham. According to court proceedings, Amesbury had been drinking before arriving at a taxi rank where he encountered Fellows. The constituent approached the MP to express concerns about a bridge closure in the town.
CCTV footage captured the moment Amesbury struck Fellows, knocking him to the ground. The MP then followed Fellows onto the road, continuing to punch him at least five more times. In the aftermath of the assault, Amesbury was heard saying, “You won’t threaten your MP again, will you?”
🚨UPDATE: THUG LABOUR MP PUNCHED CONSTITUENT 6 TIMES
Mike Amesbury said he was “threatened” before the 2:15 a.m. incident on Saturday in his Runcorn and Helsby constituency.
Yet, CCTV footage from the @MailOnline shows him throwing the first punch without clear provocation,… pic.twitter.com/VeY2rReJsJ
— Alex Armstrong (@alexharmstrong) October 27, 2024
The incident came to light after MailOnline published the CCTV footage, prompting a police investigation. Amesbury subsequently admitted to a single charge of Section 39 assault.
Will Only Serve 40% of Sentence
At Chester Magistrates’ Court, Judge Ikram delivered a stern rebuke to the MP, highlighting the unprovoked nature of the attack and Amesbury’s position of responsibility. The judge stated, “Being in drink is no excuse, and as a member of parliament, you could reasonably expect robust challenge from constituents and members of the public.”
The 10-week sentence caught many in the courtroom by surprise, including Amesbury’s legal team. The MP’s representative, Richard Derby, attempted to secure bail pending an appeal, but this request was swiftly denied by Judge Ikram.
Amesbury is expected to serve 40% of his sentence in jail, with the remainder on licence. The judge’s decision underscores the seriousness with which the court viewed the assault, particularly given Amesbury’s public office.
Political Fallout and Calls for Resignation
The conviction has led to immediate political consequences for Amesbury. The Labour Party acted swiftly to suspend his membership, with a spokesperson stating, “The Labour Party took swift action following Mike Amesbury’s completely unacceptable actions, and he is no longer a Labour MP or a member of the Labour party.”
Conservative Party co-chair Nigel Huddleston called for Amesbury’s resignation, saying, “The residents of Runcorn and Helsby deserve an MP who is able to stand up for them in parliament. Mike Amesbury should do the right thing and resign.”
The possibility of a by-election now looms over Amesbury’s constituency. While his sentence is less than a year, allowing him to continue as an independent MP during any appeals, a successful recall petition could force him out of office.
Potential By-election
For a by-election to be triggered, Amesbury would need to either resign or face a successful recall petition. As his sentence is less than 12 months, he is not automatically disqualified from being an MP. However, if his appeals are unsuccessful, he would be subject to a recall petition.
The recall process would require 10% of voters in Amesbury’s constituency to sign a petition over a six-week period. If this threshold is met, it would result in a by-election, potentially changing the political landscape in Runcorn and Helsby.
Reflections on Political Conduct and Accountability
This case has sparked broader discussions about the standards of behaviour expected from elected officials. Judge Ikram’s comments highlight the unique responsibilities that come with public office, emphasising that MPs should be role models in their communities.
The incident also raises questions about how political parties handle misconduct allegations and the mechanisms in place to hold MPs accountable for their actions outside of parliament.
The sentencing of Mike Amesbury marks a significant moment in British politics, underscoring the importance of personal conduct for those in public office. As the MP begins his prison term, the constituents of Runcorn and Helsby face uncertainty about their future representation.
This case serves as a stark reminder of the high standards to which elected officials are held and the swift consequences that can follow when those standards are breached. As the political fallout continues, all eyes will be on Amesbury’s constituency to see whether a by-election will indeed be called.
The Labour Party’s quick action in suspending Amesbury reflects the seriousness with which political organisations must treat such incidents. As one chapter closes with Amesbury’s sentencing, another may soon open if a by-election is triggered, potentially reshaping the political landscape in this corner of Cheshire.