Runcorn and Helsby MP Mike Amesbury charged with assault

MP Mike Amesbury has been charged with assault after a video emerged of an altercation in the street with a member of the public.

The Labour MP for Runcorn and Helsby, will appear in court to face the charge of section 39 assault - or common assault - after the incident in Frodsham, Cheshire on 26 October.

Mr Amesbury was suspended by the party after numerous videos were shared online of the alleged incident.

The 55-year-old said he was continuing to cooperate with police following the charge.

In a statement the MP said: "I have today been summonsed to court to face a charge of common assault following an incident in Frodsham last month, which was deeply regrettable.

"I am continuing to cooperate with police and given this is an ongoing case I cannot comment further."

The charge relates to an alleged attack on a 45-year-old man on Main Street in Frodsham which was reported to officers at 2:48am on Saturday, 26 October.

Rosemary Ainslie, Head of the Crown Prosecution Service’s Special Crime Division, said: “Following a review of the evidence provided by Cheshire Police, we have authorised a charge of common assault against Mike Amesbury MP, 55.

“The charge follows an alleged assault in Frodsham, Cheshire, on Saturday, October 26 2024.

The Crown Prosecution Service reminds all concerned that criminal proceedings against the defendant are active and that he has the right to a fair trial.

“It is extremely important that there should be no reporting, commentary or sharing of information online which could in any way prejudice these proceedings.”

Mr Amesbury is set to appear in magistrates court at a later date.

Amesbury was stripped of the Labour whip pending an investigation after footage appeared to show him hitting a man in the street during a late-night altercation. He now sits as Independent.

In May, MPs voted in favour of a new process enabling colleagues arrested on suspicion of violent offences to be banned from attending Parliament.

Under the new rules, Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle has set up a risk assessment panel to consider sanctions.

A House of Commons spokesman said: “We do not comment on individual cases.

“The House has an established process, under Standing Order 164, to consider sanctions on Members who have been arrested on suspicion of violent or sexual offences.

“In accordance with that process, Mr Speaker has appointed a risk assessment panel.”

A Labour spokesperson said: “Mike Amesbury MP was suspended by the Labour Party following the announcement of the police investigation. We cannot comment further whilst legal proceedings are ongoing.”