STORY
Mike Amesbury, the former Labour MP for Runcorn and Helsby, has officially stepped down after being convicted of assaulting a constituent. The incident, which took place in October 2024, involved a physical altercation between Amesbury and local resident Paul Fellows. The dispute reportedly stemmed from disagreements over the closure of a local bridge. CCTV footage later revealed that Amesbury struck Fellows multiple times before others intervened to break up the confrontation.
Amesbury was initially sentenced to 10 weeks in prison. However, upon appeal, the sentence was suspended for two years. As part of his punishment, he is required to participate in anger management programs, complete 200 hours of community service, and undergo alcohol monitoring.
Following his conviction, Amesbury expressed deep regret for his actions and announced his resignation from Parliament. His departure has triggered a by-election in Runcorn and Helsby, marking the first contest of its kind since Keir Starmer became Prime Minister in July 2024. This election is expected to serve as an early test of public opinion on the Labour Party’s leadership, while also providing an opportunity for opposition parties, including Reform UK under Nigel Farage, to contest the seat.
Amesbury had served as an MP since 2017, initially representing the Weaver Vale constituency before boundary changes led to the formation of Runcorn and Helsby. His resignation highlights the serious repercussions faced by elected officials involved in criminal offences, reinforcing the necessity of maintaining public trust and ethical standards in government.