Mike Amesbury defended as 'gentle' after Labour MP 'sucker punched' constituent
Former Labour adviser Matthew Torbitt defends 'gentle' Mike Amesbury
GB NEWS
A friend of suspended Labour MP Mike Amesbury has defended him on GB News following the release of CCTV footage showing the politician punching a man in the street.
Matthew Torbitt, a former Labour adviser, described the incident as "out of character" for Amesbury, whom he called "gentle" and "very kind" on GB News.
Torbitt suggested that Amesbury had been subjected to a "sustained wind up" and "personal attack" prior to the altercation. However, he acknowledged that this did not excuse the MP's actions.
The incident, which occurred in Frodsham, has led to Amesbury's suspension from the Labour Party and an ongoing police investigation.
The CCTV footage, obtained by MailOnline, shows Amesbury appearing to punch a man who fell to the floor, then hitting him repeatedly. Three bystanders intervened. This followed earlier footage circulating on social media, where Amesbury was seen shouting at a man on the ground, saying, "You won't ever threaten me again".
Amesbury stated he felt "threatened on the street following an evening out with friends" and had contacted Cheshire Police himself to report the incident.
Torbitt defended Amesbury
GB NEWS / MAIL ONLINE
The force confirmed they were called at 2:48am on Saturday to reports of an assault in Main Street, Frodsham.
The Labour Party has suspended Mike Amesbury's membership pending an investigation. A spokesperson stated, "Mike Amesbury MP has been assisting Cheshire Police with their inquiries following an incident on Friday night."
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Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson told Sky News that Amesbury "has gone forward to the police" and is cooperating with any investigation.
The incident has raised questions about the conduct of MPs and the pressures they face. Amesbury, who has been an MP since 2017, represents Runcorn and Helsby.
"Reform UK are today calling for Mike Amesbury to do the honourable thing and resign," the party saidMAILONLINE
The matter was discussed on GB News
GB NEWS
The Labour Party previously said it was aware of the incident and that Amesbury would "cooperate with any inquiries" the police have.
Torbitt expressed concern about the potential consequences for Amesbury's career. "He's probably ruined his life in one semi-drunken decision," he told GB News.
Torbitt advised Amesbury to resign, saying, "My advice... was to resign this morning, not let it drag on."
He also raised the possibility of prison time for the MP, describing it as a "sustained attack". Despite his sympathy for Amesbury, Torbitt acknowledged the gravity of the situation, stating, "Unfortunately, you can't go around doing things like that no matter how wound up you are."
Torbitt characterised Amesbury as a "working-class lad from Wythenshawe" and "one of those normal blokes" in politics.
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