Labour MP Mike Amesbury, 55, has been charged with assault following an incident in his constituency of Runcorn and Helsby. The charge stems from an alleged attack on a 45-year-old man on Main Street in Frodsham. The police were alerted to the incident at 2:48 am on Saturday, October 26th.
Cheshire Police announced that Amesbury has been summoned to court to face the charge of section 39 assault. He is scheduled to appear in magistrates court at a later date. It was noted that he had lost the Labour whip in October and is currently sitting as an independent as the party suspended him pending an investigation into the incident.
Amesbury, who previously served as a shadow minister for housing and local government, stated that he would cooperate with any inquiries and remain accessible to the community as an MP. Despite the allegations, he continues to serve on the housing, communities, and local government committee in parliament.
Rosemary Ainslie, head of the Crown Prosecution Service’s Special Crime Division, confirmed the charge of common assault against Amesbury after reviewing the evidence provided by Cheshire Police. The alleged incident took place in Frodsham on October 26, 2024. Ainslie emphasized the importance of fair trial rights for the defendant and urged against any reporting or commentary that could prejudice the proceedings.
In light of the charges against Amesbury, it raises questions about the conduct and accountability of public officials. The incident serves as a reminder of the responsibility that comes with holding public office and the expectations of upholding the law and serving the community with integrity.
As the case unfolds, it is crucial for the legal process to proceed without interference and for all parties involved to respect the judicial proceedings. The outcome of the trial will determine the consequences for Amesbury and the implications for his political career. In the meantime, the constituents of Runcorn and Helsby may be left wondering about the representation and leadership in their constituency.