Labour MP Mike Amesbury has been suspended by the party after a video surfaced showing him allegedly assaulting a man. In the footage, Amesbury can be seen punching the man in the face and knocking him to the ground, before continuing to strike him multiple times. The incident took place in Frodsham, and Cheshire police have confirmed that a 55-year-old man has been interviewed under caution in relation to the attack.
Amesbury has stated that he felt threatened before the incident occurred and has reported the matter to the police. The Labour party has taken the decision to suspend his membership pending further investigation. This suspension means that he will not be considered a Labour MP until the issue is resolved.
This incident has resulted in Amesbury becoming the eighth MP to have the Labour whip suspended since the recent election. Previously, seven other MPs had their whip suspended for defying the government in a vote over the two-child benefit cap. However, Amesbury is the first to face suspension due to allegations of personal behavior.
Despite the initial video showing the aftermath of the altercation, the party decided to take a tougher stance after the publication of the second video, which captured the details of the altercation itself. The footage shows the altercation between Amesbury and the man, with the incident turning physical after a moment of confrontation.
Amesbury, who was a shadow minister in the housing department before the election, has not been given a government role since the party came into power. He won his seat with a significant majority in the last election.
The education secretary, Bridget Phillipson, has emphasized the importance of the police investigation into the matter and stated that Amesbury is cooperating fully with the authorities. The police will now look into the incident and determine what action, if any, is necessary.
It is crucial for all individuals, regardless of their position, to be held accountable for their actions. The suspension of Mike Amesbury by the Labour party underscores the seriousness with which such allegations are taken. As the investigation unfolds, more details may emerge regarding the incident and its implications.
