MP Mike Amesbury resigns from Labour after pleading guilty to assault

Labour MP Mike Amesbury has resigned from the party after pleading guilty to assault following an incident in Cheshire last year.

The Wythenshawe-born politician, who represents Runcorn and Helsby in Parliament, has admitted punching a man at a taxi rank in Frodsham. Appearing Chester Magistrates Court heard today (January 16) how Amesbury punched Paul Fellows, 45, to the ground before hitting him five more times in the early hours of October 26, 2024 in an incident that was caught on camera and shared online.

The 55-year-old MP, who was previously a councillor in Manchester, described the incident as 'highly regrettable' and apologised to Mr Fellows and his family outside the court. The Manchester Evening News understands he has now resigned from the Labour Party.

Amesbury was suspended from the Labour Party after footage of the incident emerged online, however, he stayed on as an independent MP. He will now have to decide if he wishes to resign as an MP - a decision which would result in a by-election.

A Labour Party spokesperson said: “It is right that Mike Amesbury has taken responsibility for his unacceptable actions. He was rightly suspended by the Labour Party following the announcement of the police investigation.

"We cannot comment further whilst legal proceedings are still ongoing.”

Wearing a grey suit, white shirt and red tie in the dock, Amesbury pleaded guilty to the charge of common assault against Mr Fellows. The court heard that the pair had both been drinking before the incident at a taxi rank when Mr Fellows recognised the Runcorn and Helsby MP and 'remonstrated with him about a bridge closure' - to which Amesbury responded by saying 'it's nothing to do with me'.

Amesbury then stepped towards Mr