Reform UK MP Rupert Lowe has condemned the 10-week prison sentence handed to former Labour MP Mike Amesbury, calling it "another example of two-tier justice".
The criticism comes after Amesbury was sentenced at Chester Magistrates Court for assaulting a constituent in Frodsham, Cheshire.
Speaking on GB News, Lowe demanded Amesbury's resignation, stating: "He should do the honourable thing and resign. Hitting someone when you've had a few too many is inexcusable."
The MP for Runcorn and Helsby was suspended from the Labour Party following the incident last October.
Rupert Lowe hit out at the ruling on GB News
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"If he's an honourable man, he would resign," Lowe added, suggesting that assaulting a constituent was "arguably far worse" than expressing views on social media.
The 55-year-old Amesbury has been sitting as an independent since his arrest.
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Both Rupert Lowe and Labour MP Barry Gardiner said Amesbury should resign
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CCTV footage captured Amesbury punching Paul Fellows, 45, in the face during an altercation at a taxi rank in the early hours of October 26, 2024.
The incident occurred after Fellows approached the MP to discuss a bridge closure in the town.
The court heard Amesbury had been drinking before the confrontation, which ended with Fellows being knocked to the ground.
Footage showed Amesbury following Fellows onto the road, where he delivered at least five more punches.
PICTURED: Mike Amesbury arrives at Chester Magistrates' CourtPAAfter the attack, Amesbury was heard shouting: "You won't threaten the MP ever again, will you?"
Initially claiming self-defence when interviewed by police, Amesbury later withdrew this assertion.
The MP pleaded guilty to a single charge of section 39 assault in January at Chester Magistrates Court.
Lowe drew comparisons between Amesbury's sentence and recent social media-related convictions following the Southport killings.
"Let's juxtapose that against people who have tweeted on social media about the Southport killings and ended up in prison for two-and-a-half years. Where is the justice in that?" he said.
The Reform UK MP expressed particular concern about individuals who had not previously posted controversial opinions online.
"I think a lot of these people had not expressed opinions before online and were shocked by what happened in Southport," Lowe stated.
He expressed confidence in Reform UK's electoral prospects should Amesbury step down.
"I hope he resigns and I think if he does, we will have every chance of winning that seat," Lowe declared.
Amesbury had won his seat 235 days ago at the last general election.
