Labour MP Suspended After Video Appears to Depict Assault

Mike Amesbury, a Member of Parliament, has been suspended from the Labour Party following the emergence of CCTV footage that seemingly depicts him striking a man to the ground. Additionally, the Labour whip has been withdrawn from him, which means he will now serve as an independent Member of Parliament. The footage, acquired by the Daily Mail, reportedly shows the Runcorn and Helsby MP continuing to strike the man while he is on the street. According to Cheshire Police, a 55-year-old man was voluntarily interviewed under caution concerning the incident and has since been released as further inquiries are pending. Mr. Amesbury has been approached for a statement. This development follows another video, shared on X, which purportedly showed Mr. Amesbury yelling and using expletives at the man who was on the street in Frodsham, Cheshire. A spokesperson for the Labour Party stated: “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.” The events preceding the moments captured on film remain unclear. Within the initial footage, Mr. Amesbury is audible shouting: “You won’t threaten the MP ever again, will you?” Cheshire Police, in a statement released prior to the Daily Mail footage becoming public, confirmed: “At 02:48 BST on Saturday 26 October police were called to reports of an assault in Frodsham. A caller reported he had been assaulted by a man in Main Street. Enquiries are ongoing.” On Saturday, the 55-year-old backbencher posted on his personal Facebook page, stating: “Last night I was involved in an incident that took place after I felt threatened following an evening out with friends. This morning I contacted Cheshire Police myself to report what happened. I will not be making any further public comment but will of course cooperate with any inquiries if required by Cheshire Police.” Pat McFadden, a senior minister, described the CCTV footage as “very graphic,” but expressed his desire to “let the police do their job and reach a conclusion before I say I anything more.” A spokesperson for the Conservative Party commented that Mr. Amesbury “has questions to answer about his actions,” further stating that it was “right they are thoroughly investigated.” Reform UK, whose candidate placed second to Mr. Amesbury in July’s general election, had a spokesperson who urged his resignation. Dehenna Davison, a former Conservative MP whose father passed away due to a single punch, characterized the CCTV footage as “horrendous.” She stated in a post on X: “The police are investigating and I am sure the full facts will emerge soon. I have spent years working with One Punch UK to raise awareness of the dangers a single punch can cause. Such violence – whatever the background to the altercation – is never and should never be justified.” Mr. Amesbury has served as a Labour MP in Cheshire since 2017, holding a position as a shadow minister from 2018 to 2024. During the July general election, he secured his constituency with a majority of 14,696 votes. Previously, in July 2023, a 56-year-old man was convicted of stalking and harassing Mr. Amesbury at his constituency office and within the town.