Mike Amesbury's suspension will be felt "in more ways than one" for Labour according to Victoria Atkins, Shadow Secretary of State for Health, who spoke to GB News about the Labour MP after a shocking incident was caught on film.
Speaking on GB News, Atkins said, "We have all seen the video, it looks very, very shocking".
She added that the Labour Party would "feel this" absence "in more ways than one". Atkins noted the poor timing for Labour, as they prepare to present their "budget of broken promises" this week.
She also highlighted Amesbury's role as an "attack MP" in the House of Commons, suggesting his suspension would impact Labour's parliamentary strategy.
Mike Amesbury, Labour MP, speaks during a rally
GETTYLabour MP Mike Amesbury was suspended by the party after CCTV footage emerged appearing to show him punching a man in Frodsham, Cheshire.
The video, obtained by MailOnline, shows Amesbury knocking the man to the ground before hitting him repeatedly. The incident occurred in the early hours of Saturday morning.
"Reform UK are today calling for Mike Amesbury to do the honourable thing and resign," the party saidMAILONLINEAmesbury, who represents Runcorn and Helsby, initially claimed he felt "threatened on the street following an evening out with friends". He contacted Cheshire Police himself to report the incident.
A Labour Party spokesperson confirmed Amesbury's administrative suspension, stating, "As these inquiries are now ongoing, the Labour Party has administratively suspended Mr Amesbury's membership of the Labour Party pending an investigation."
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Cheshire Police confirmed they were called to reports of an assault in Frodsham at 2:48am on Saturday. A spokesperson stated, "A caller reported he had been assaulted by a man in Main Street. Inquiries are ongoing."
The incident has drawn attention from senior Labour figures.
Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson, when asked about the party's investigation, told Sky News, "Mike Amesbury... has gone forward to the police. He is co-operating with any investigation they would want to take forward."
The Labour Party has not provided further comment since Amesbury's suspension.
Mike Amesbury, 55, has been an MP since 2017 and previously served as a shadow minister in the housing department. The incident took place in Frodsham, Cheshire, at approximately 2:15am on Saturday, 26 October.
CCTV footage shows Amesbury talking to a man before punching him, knocking him to the ground. The MP then continued to hit the man whilst he was on the floor.
In the aftermath, Amesbury was heard saying, "You won't ever threaten me again, will you?" He later stated he would "co-operate with any inquiries if required by Cheshire Police."
