MP Mike Amesbury has had the Labour whip suspended after a video appeared to show him sucker punching a constituent in the street.
Shocking CCTV footage showed the 55-year-old politician continuing to try to hit the man up to six times while he lays on the ground.
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Yesterday, Mr Amesbury claimed he “felt threatened” before the attack at 2.15am on Saturday in his constituency of Runcorn and Helsby, Cheshire.
Now, it has been confirmed he has been suspended as a member of the Labour Party.
The move has the automatic effect of suspending the Labour whip in the House of Commons.
Confirming his suspension, A Labour Spokesperson said: “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.”
Tory leadership hopeful Robert Jenrick said: “Labour’s promised to ‘smash the gangs’.
“Looks like they’re now smashing their constituents instead.”
Mobile phone video showed Amesbury shouting “you’ll never threaten me again” as the man lay on the ground next to a taxi rank.
Earlier today, new footage obtained by the MailOnline, showed the MP seemingly throwing the first punch during the incident in Frodsham.
He appears in animated fashion before letting loose the left hook to the man’s head.
The CCTV video also shows the MP – a former member of Sir Keir Starmer‘s Shadow Cabinet – being held back by bystanders.
The first clip emerged the day after Mr Amesbury had posted on X about a meeting with Cheshire’s police and crime commissioner and Frodsham councillors, in relation to policing and community safety.
In the initial footage, the MP for Runcorn and Helsby says: “You won’t ever threaten me again will you?
“You won’t ever threaten me again.”
When someone in the background points out Mr Amesbury is the local MP, he says: “Yes I am. You won’t threaten the MP ever again, will you?”
Cops confirmed they are probing the incident.
Cheshire Constabulary said: “At 2.48am 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.”
Mr Amesbury said prior to the release of the punch CCTV today: “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 this incident.
“I will not be making further public comment but will, of course, cooperate 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.”
