Labour MP Mike Amesbury to stand down (Image: Getty)
Former Labour MP Mike Amesbury has said he will stand down from parliament at the “earliest opportunity”after being given a prison sentence for punching a constituent. This means Sir Keir Starmer faces his first by-election test in Runcorn and Helsby after the former Labour said he will resign following a conviction for assault.
Amesbury received a 10-week jail sentence last month for punching a constituent but had the sentence suspended following an appeal. His resignation will trigger the first by-election of Sir Keir's Labour government. In his first interview since the sentencing, Amesbury said he "regrets" attacking Paul Fellows "every moment, every day".
by Taboola by Taboola
Sponsored Sponsored
Promoted Links Promoted Links
Discover Effortless Glucose Monitoring: Request a Free TrialDexcom Click Here
Undo
DON'T MISS
Powered by
Family of murdered MP David Amess slam Yvette Cooper over 'wall of silence'
25 Comments
Starmer insists US is "not an unreliable ally" while warning we are at a crossroads'
37 Comments
Kemi Badenoch skewers Keir Starmer as she lays down immigration challenge
79 Comments
Rachel Reeves warned of 'moral bankruptcy' as she prepares cuts
135 Comments
'Anti-white and anti-Christian' sentencing changes to face bombshell legal challenge
95 Comments
The Government has failed to take action to stop lethal crossbows easily bought online
Comments
Reform UK Rupert Lowe row risks leaving working-class voters asking one question
172 Comments
Farage breaks silence as Reform civil war explodes and issues warning over party's future
Comments
Major Cash ISA update as Labour breaks silence on ￡4,000 cap
38 Comments
'Outright lie!' Rupert Lowe blasts Reform UK's Lee Anderson in fiery row
Comments
Jeremy Clarkson's blunt 12-word reaction to Starmer and it's bad news for Zelensky
22 Comments
Poll shows Sir Keir Starmer at 'turning point' as war leader
70 Comments
'Proud to be British!' Keir Starmer welcomes UK's show of support for Zelenskyy
90 Comments
Angela Rayner dealt huge blow as major 'workers rights' plan faces chop
33 Comments
The Easiest Way to Get Your Passport in 2025.GovPlus Learn More
Undo
by Taboola by Taboola
Sponsored Links Sponsored Links
Promoted Links Promoted Links
Nigel Farage's Reform UK odds on for historic by-election win, say bookmakers
82 Comments
George Galloway ally gives bloody nose to Keir Starmer in surprise by-election victory
77 Comments
What Does Atopic Dermatitis Look Like? (Take a Look for Yourself)Atopic Dermatitis Rash
Undo
by Taboola by Taboola
Sponsored Links Sponsored Links
Promoted Links Promoted Links
'That's a lie!' Moment Keir Starmer is slapped down in fiery PMQs clash
539 Comments
Keir Starmer faces massive rebellion as '80 MPs' threaten revolt over one plan
476 Comments
Experts Say This Drugstore Wrinkle Cream Is Actually Worth ItSenior Skin Solutions Read More
Undo
by Taboola by Taboola
Sponsored Links Sponsored Links
Promoted Links Promoted Links
PMQs LIVE: Kemi Badenoch set to clash with Keir Starmer after momentous week
289 Comments
GB News viewers furiously call for Yvette Cooper resignation after David Amess decision
18 Comments
Experts Say This Drugstore Wrinkle Cream Is Actually Worth ItSenior Skin Solutions Read More
Undo
by Taboola by Taboola
Sponsored Links Sponsored Links
Promoted Links Promoted Links
Family of murdered MP David Amess slam Yvette Cooper over 'wall of silence'
25 Comments
Starmer insists US is "not an unreliable ally" while warning we are at a crossroads'
37 Comments
This Changes Everything - Research Priv ileged Access Mangement Access Mangement | Search Ads Click Here
Undo
by Taboola by Taboola
Sponsored Links Sponsored Links
Promoted Links Promoted Links
Kemi Badenoch skewers Keir Starmer as she lays down immigration challenge
79 Comments
Rachel Reeves warned of 'moral bankruptcy' as she prepares cuts
135 Comments
The Easiest Way to Get Your Passport in 2025.GovPlus Learn More
Undo
by Taboola by Taboola
Sponsored Links Sponsored Links
Promoted Links Promoted Links
'Anti-white and anti-Christian' sentencing changes to face bombshell legal challenge
95 Comments
The Government has failed to take action to stop lethal crossbows easily bought online
Comments
Experts Say This Drugstore Wrinkle Cream Is Actually Worth ItSenior Skin Solutions Read More
Undo
by Taboola by Taboola
Sponsored Links Sponsored Links
Promoted Links Promoted Links
Reform UK Rupert Lowe row risks leaving working-class voters asking one question
172 Comments
Farage breaks silence as Reform civil war explodes and issues warning over party's future
Comments
What Does Atopic Dermatitis Look Like? (Take a Look for Yourself)Atopic Dermatitis Rash
Undo
by Taboola by Taboola
Sponsored Links Sponsored Links
Promoted Links Promoted Links
Major Cash ISA update as Labour breaks silence on ￡4,000 cap
38 Comments
'Outright lie!' Rupert Lowe blasts Reform UK's Lee Anderson in fiery row
Comments
What Does Atopic Dermatitis Look Like? (Take a Look for Yourself)Atopic Dermatitis Rash
Undo
by Taboola by Taboola
Sponsored Links Sponsored Links
Promoted Links Promoted Links
Jeremy Clarkson's blunt 12-word reaction to Starmer and it's bad news for Zelensky
22 Comments
Poll shows Sir Keir Starmer at 'turning point' as war leader
70 Comments
What Does Atopic Dermatitis Look Like? (Take a Look for Yourself)Atopic Dermatitis Rash
Undo
by Taboola by Taboola
Sponsored Links Sponsored Links
Promoted Links Promoted Links
'Proud to be British!' Keir Starmer welcomes UK's show of support for Zelenskyy
90 Comments
Angela Rayner dealt huge blow as major 'workers rights' plan faces chop
33 Comments
Nigel Farage's Reform UK odds on for historic by-election win, say bookmakers
82 Comments
George Galloway ally gives bloody nose to Keir Starmer in surprise by-election victory
77 Comments
'That's a lie!' Moment Keir Starmer is slapped down in fiery PMQs clash
539 Comments
Keir Starmer faces massive rebellion as '80 MPs' threaten revolt over one plan
476 Comments
PMQs LIVE: Kemi Badenoch set to clash with Keir Starmer after momentous week
289 Comments
GB News viewers furiously call for Yvette Cooper resignation after David Amess decision
18 Comments
Family of murdered MP David Amess slam Yvette Cooper over 'wall of silence'
25 Comments
Starmer insists US is "not an unreliable ally" while warning we are at a crossroads'
37 Comments
Kemi Badenoch skewers Keir Starmer as she lays down immigration challenge
79 Comments
Rachel Reeves warned of 'moral bankruptcy' as she prepares cuts
135 Comments
'Anti-white and anti-Christian' sentencing changes to face bombshell legal challenge
95 Comments
The Government has failed to take action to stop lethal crossbows easily bought online
Comments
Reform UK Rupert Lowe row risks leaving working-class voters asking one question
172 Comments
But Amesbury told the BBC he would have tried to remain an MP, a job he said was his "calling", if he had been given a lighter community sentence.
Asked about his future, Amesbury said: "I'm going to step aside at the earliest opportunity.
"I've got processes I must go through - there's a statutory process in terms of redundancies."
Sponsored
Atopic Dermatitis RashWhat Does an Atopic Dermatitis Rash Look Like? (Take a Look for Yourself)
Undo
by Taboola by Taboola
Get the latest politics news straight to your phone Join us on WhatsApp Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. Read our Privacy Policy
He described the fallout from his court case as "difficult" but said he "owns" his mistake.
Under parliamentary rules, if an MP receives a custodial sentence, a "recall petition" is triggered.
If at least 10% of his constituents had voted to remove Amesbury, a by-election would have been called - potentially ousting him as MP.
Nigel Farage's Reform UK hopes to win the by-election when it takes place.
Labour's Amesbury had received 52.9% of the vote in July, followed by Reform UK’s Jason Moorcroft who received 18%
Amesbury defended continuing to take his MP wages - despite not appearing in a House of Commons debates since video of him punching Mr Fellows first surfaced in October 2024.
He said he carried out casework for his constituents, even while behind bars.
"I actually picked up some casework in prison," Amesbury said, as his office manager forwarded on "correspondence".
"Life doesn't stop as an MP," he added.
Amesbury spent three nights in jail following his 10-week sentence being handed down at Chester Magistrates' Court on 24 February.
Chester Crown Court later suspended his sentence, allowing him to serve his time in the community instead of behind bars.
As part of his suspended sentence, Amesbury must carry out 200 hours of unpaid work, undertake an alcohol monitoring programme, go on an anger management course and carry out 20 days of rehabilitation work.
Trending
SUBSCRIBE Invalid email
We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our Privacy Policy
Asked how he responded to people who might think he had been treated lightly in having his sentence suspended, Amesbury said he had been "punished accordingly".
He added: "I pleaded guilty at the earliest opportunity in terms of the law.
Amesbury told how he is "going to lose the family home", his livelihood and walk away with a criminal record.
"If people think that's lightly, so be it," he added.
Amesbury said he had received death threats and the impact of a stalker had raised his "anxiety levels".
He said threats and abuse "make you on edge".
Amesbury said: "So, when someone approached me at ten past two in the morning it was quite natural to be on edge and anxious - and I got it wrong.”
He said he should have walked away, adding: "I just saw red - a moment of madness which I will regret for the rest of my life."
DON'T MISS
Powered by
Family of murdered MP David Amess slam Yvette Cooper over 'wall of silence'
25 Comments
Starmer insists US is "not an unreliable ally" while warning we are at a crossroads'
37 Comments
Kemi Badenoch skewers Keir Starmer as she lays down immigration challenge
79 Comments
Rachel Reeves warned of 'moral bankruptcy' as she prepares cuts
135 Comments
'Anti-white and anti-Christian' sentencing changes to face bombshell legal challenge
95 Comments
The Government has failed to take action to stop lethal crossbows easily bought online
Comments
Reform UK Rupert Lowe row risks leaving working-class voters asking one question
172 Comments
Farage breaks silence as Reform civil war explodes and issues warning over party's future
Comments
Major Cash ISA update as Labour breaks silence on ￡4,000 cap
38 Comments
'Outright lie!' Rupert Lowe blasts Reform UK's Lee Anderson in fiery row
Comments
Jeremy Clarkson's blunt 12-word reaction to Starmer and it's bad news for Zelensky
23 Comments
Poll shows Sir Keir Starmer at 'turning point' as war leader
70 Comments
'Proud to be British!' Keir Starmer welcomes UK's show of support for Zelenskyy
90 Comments
Angela Rayner dealt huge blow as major 'workers rights' plan faces chop
33 Comments
What Does an Atopic Dermatitis Look Like? (Take a Look for Yourself)Atopic Dermatitis Rash
Undo
by Taboola by Taboola
Sponsored Links Sponsored Links
Promoted Links Promoted Links
Nigel Farage's Reform UK odds on for historic by-election win, say bookmakers
82 Comments
George Galloway ally gives bloody nose to Keir Starmer in surprise by-election victory
77 Comments
A Professional Engineer Designed the Nail Clipper for Seniors All Over the WorldSherum Learn More
Undo
by Taboola by Taboola
Sponsored Links Sponsored Links
Promoted Links Promoted Links
'That's a lie!' Moment Keir Starmer is slapped down in fiery PMQs clash
539 Comments
Keir Starmer faces massive rebellion as '80 MPs' threaten revolt over one plan
476 Comments
Discover Effortless Glucose Monitoring: Request a Free TrialDexcom Click Here
Undo
by Taboola by Taboola
Sponsored Links Sponsored Links
Promoted Links Promoted Links
PMQs LIVE: Kemi Badenoch set to clash with Keir Starmer after momentous week
289 Comments
GB News viewers furiously call for Yvette Cooper resignation after David Amess decision
18 Comments
This Changes Everything - Research Priv ileged Access Mangement Access Mangement | Search Ads Click Here
Undo
by Taboola by Taboola
Sponsored Links Sponsored Links
Promoted Links Promoted Links
Family of murdered MP David Amess slam Yvette Cooper over 'wall of silence'
25 Comments
Starmer insists US is "not an unreliable ally" while warning we are at a crossroads'
37 Comments
The Easiest Way to Get Your Passport in 2025.GovPlus Learn More
Undo
by Taboola by Taboola
Sponsored Links Sponsored Links
Promoted Links Promoted Links
Kemi Badenoch skewers Keir Starmer as she lays down immigration challenge
79 Comments
Rachel Reeves warned of 'moral bankruptcy' as she prepares cuts
135 Comments
Nevada Introduces New Benefit for "Senior Drivers"Finance Wallet Learn More
Undo
by Taboola by Taboola
Sponsored Links Sponsored Links
Promoted Links Promoted Links
'Anti-white and anti-Christian' sentencing changes to face bombshell legal challenge
95 Comments
The Government has failed to take action to stop lethal crossbows easily bought online
Comments
Three Las Vegas Banks Are Paying Record High Interest Rates - See the...SavingsPro
Undo
by Taboola by Taboola
Sponsored Links Sponsored Links
Promoted Links Promoted Links
Reform UK Rupert Lowe row risks leaving working-class voters asking one question
172 Comments
Farage breaks silence as Reform civil war explodes and issues warning over party's future
Comments
Las Vegas: Up to 7.3% High CD Rates [Check Today]Find High CD Interest Rates | search ads Read More
Undo
by Taboola by Taboola
Sponsored Links Sponsored Links
Promoted Links Promoted Links
Major Cash ISA update as Labour breaks silence on ￡4,000 cap
38 Comments
'Outright lie!' Rupert Lowe blasts Reform UK's Lee Anderson in fiery row
Comments
Nevada Introduces New Discount for "Senior Drivers"Finance Wallet Learn More
Undo
by Taboola by Taboola
Sponsored Links Sponsored Links
Promoted Links Promoted Links
Jeremy Clarkson's blunt 12-word reaction to Starmer and it's bad news for Zelensky
23 Comments
Poll shows Sir Keir Starmer at 'turning point' as war leader
70 Comments
What Does an Atopic Dermatitis Look Like? (Take a Look for Yourself)Atopic Dermatitis Rash
Undo
by Taboola by Taboola
Sponsored Links Sponsored Links
Promoted Links Promoted Links
'Proud to be British!' Keir Starmer welcomes UK's show of support for Zelenskyy
90 Comments
Angela Rayner dealt huge blow as major 'workers rights' plan faces chop
33 Comments
Nigel Farage's Reform UK odds on for historic by-election win, say bookmakers
82 Comments
George Galloway ally gives bloody nose to Keir Starmer in surprise by-election victory
77 Comments
'That's a lie!' Moment Keir Starmer is slapped down in fiery PMQs clash
539 Comments
Keir Starmer faces massive rebellion as '80 MPs' threaten revolt over one plan
476 Comments
PMQs LIVE: Kemi Badenoch set to clash with Keir Starmer after momentous week
289 Comments
GB News viewers furiously call for Yvette Cooper resignation after David Amess decision
18 Comments
Family of murdered MP David Amess slam Yvette Cooper over 'wall of silence'
25 Comments
Starmer insists US is "not an unreliable ally" while warning we are at a crossroads'
37 Comments
Kemi Badenoch skewers Keir Starmer as she lays down immigration challenge
79 Comments
Rachel Reeves warned of 'moral bankruptcy' as she prepares cuts
135 Comments
'Anti-white and anti-Christian' sentencing changes to face bombshell legal challenge
95 Comments
The Government has failed to take action to stop lethal crossbows easily bought online
Comments
Reform UK Rupert Lowe row risks leaving working-class voters asking one question
172 Comments
The Easiest Way to Get Your Passport in 2025.GovPlus
Undo
by Taboola by Taboola
Sponsored Links Sponsored Links
Promoted Links Promoted Links
Three Las Vegas Banks Are Paying Record High...SavingsPro
Undo
by Taboola by Taboola
Sponsored Links Sponsored Links
Promoted Links Promoted Links
The Secret Revealed: Why All Hummingbirds G...Sherem
Undo
by Taboola by Taboola
Sponsored Links Sponsored Links
Promoted Links Promoted Links
2025's Most Realistic Bunny ToySherum
Undo
by Taboola by Taboola
Sponsored Links Sponsored Links
Promoted Links Promoted Links
Amesbury added he would like to apologise to Mr Fellows in person but held back as the legal process unfolded.
A Reform UK spokesman said: “We stand ready to contest this by-election, it’s one of Labour’s safest seats but we will give it our all."
“Labour have failed Runcorn, Helsby and country since taking office. Runcorn and Helsby needs Reform.”