Labour suspend MP Mike Amesbury after he appears to punch man

ITV News Reporter Joe Coshan takes a look at the latest developments

The Labour Party has suspended MP Mike Amesbury after video footage appeared to show him punching a man in the street.

In a statement on Sunday evening, a party spokesperson said Mr Amesbury, the MP for Runcorn and Helsby, has been "assisting Cheshire Police with their inquiries".

"As these inquiries are now ongoing, the Labour Party has administratively suspended Mr Amesbury's membership of the Labour Party pending an investigation," the spokesperson added.

ITV News has approached Mr Amesbury for comment.

Cheshire Police confirmed a 55-year-old man had been voluntarily interviewed under caution in relation to the incident.

"He has since been released pending further inquiries," the force said.

After footage was initially shared online, Mr Amesbury claimed he had been "threatened" during the incident in the early hours of Saturday morning in Frodsham, in Cheshire, and had rung police himself.

Earlier on Sunday, CCTV footage, obtained by the Mail Online, was published of Mr Amesbury in which he can be seen talking to a man before appearing to punch him, knocking him to the ground.

Footage of the aftermath of the altercation has also been widely shared on social media.

When asked about the footage, the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster Pat McFadden said it was "very graphic".

He said: “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 is a police investigation, I think it’s important that that runs its course.”

“The video is very graphic, the police will look into that, I’m sure they’ll take it into account and they’ve got to reach their conclusion,” the cabinet minister added.

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Cheshire Police confirmed officers were called to reports of an attack in Frodsham at 2.48am on Saturday October 26, and "inquiries are ongoing".

On Saturday, Mr Amesbury, 55, said: "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."

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A Conservative Party spokesman said: "Mike Amesbury has questions to answer about his actions and it is right they are thoroughly investigated."

Tory leadership candidate Robert Jenrick wrote on X: "Labour's promised to 'smash the gangs'. Looks like they're now smashing their constituents instead."

Reform UK called for him to resign so that a by-election could be held in his seat.

The party came second in the constituency at the general election with 7,662 votes to Mr Amesbury's 22,358.

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