Runcorn MP Mike Amesbury Announces Resignation After Assault Conviction
In a shocking turn of events, Runcorn MP Mike Amesbury has made the difficult decision to resign from his position in the House of Commons following an assault conviction. This decision comes after a tumultuous legal battle that saw Amesbury initially facing a 10-week prison term, which was later reduced to a suspended sentence after an appeal.
The incident in question occurred in January when Amesbury pleaded guilty to assaulting constituent Paul Fellows, 45, in a heated altercation over swing bridges in Frodsham in the early hours of October 26. Disturbing footage captured the moment when Amesbury punched Mr. Fellows in the head, causing him to fall to the ground before continuing to strike him multiple times.
The repercussions of this incident have been severe for Amesbury, who was suspended by the Labour party and subsequently resigned his membership, becoming an independent MP. His resignation now opens the door to a by-election that will serve as a litmus test for Sir Keir Starmer’s Labour Party.
Amesbury’s Decision to Step Aside
In an emotional interview with the BBC, Amesbury expressed his intention to “step aside at the earliest opportunity” and acknowledged the gravity of his actions. He shared, “It’s not only me out of a job, so to speak, although it’s more than a job, it was a calling for me. I’ve loved most of my time being a Member of Parliament.”
Amesbury’s tenure as MP for Runcorn and Helsby, which began in 2017, was marked by his dedication to serving his constituents and making a positive impact in their lives. However, the assault conviction has forced him to confront the consequences of his actions and take responsibility for the harm caused.
Reflections on a Challenging Journey
As Amesbury prepares to step down from his role as MP, he has reflected on the challenges he faced, both professionally and personally. In a heartfelt statement on his Facebook page, he expressed deep regret for his actions, stating, “My actions were wrong. I’ve owned that mistake every minute since, have accepted full responsibility, publicly apologized to the victim, and pleaded guilty at the first opportunity.”
Despite the difficulties he has encountered, including being targeted by a stalker and facing public scrutiny, Amesbury highlighted his accomplishments, such as championing a bill to reduce the cost of school uniforms for struggling families. He acknowledged that the road ahead will be tough, with the need to find a new job and rebuild his reputation in the wake of a criminal conviction.
In response to concerns about the leniency of his sentence, Amesbury emphasized that he has faced significant consequences, including the loss of his home, livelihood, and the stigma of a criminal record. He remains committed to learning from this experience and moving forward, even as he grapples with the challenges that lie ahead.
As Mike Amesbury prepares to step away from his role as MP, he leaves behind a legacy of both triumphs and tribulations. While his resignation marks the end of one chapter, it also signals the beginning of a new journey filled with challenges and opportunities for growth. Through his words and actions, Amesbury has shown a willingness to confront his mistakes, take accountability, and strive towards redemption in the face of adversity.