Runcorn representative won’t return to Labour Party after guilty plea in court
Mike Amesbury outside court today(Image: PA)
A Liverpool City Region MP has been kicked out of the Labour Party after admitting assaulting one of his constituents.
Mike Amesbury, who represents the Runcorn and Helsby seat in Parliament, today pleaded guilty to the assault by beating of his constituent Paul Fellows in Frodsham in Cheshire on October 26 last year.
Amesbury, 55, will be sentenced next month after he admitted the charge in Chester Magistrates Court today. Following his guilty plea it was confirmed he will not be returning to the Labour Party that he has been a member of for much of his life.
The Member of Parliament was administratively suspended by the party after the announcement of a police investigation into the incident last year, this had the automatic effect of suspending the Labour whip, meaning he is currently an independent member of the House of Commons. It is understood that the whip will not be returned and Amesbury is no longer a member of the Labour Party.
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.”
The court case has been adjourned until Monday, February 24 at 10am so that a pre-sentence report can be prepared. Amesbury has been granted unconditional bail.
Speaking to reporters on his way out of court, Amesbury said the incident was “highly regrettable”, adding: “And of course I am sincerely sorry to Mr Fellows and his family.” It is understood that following his guilty plea, Amesbury will not have the Labour whip restored and has been kicked out of the party.