It’s a big week for Labour ahead of the Budget on Wednesday. So it is somewhat sub-optimal then that a viral video threatens to derail their carefully calculated media grid. In footage shot by a member of the public early this morning, Labour MP for Runcorn and Helsby Mike Amesbury appeared to threaten a man who has been knocked onto the road in Frodsham, Cheshire.
Amesbury shouted at the floored man: ‘You won’t ever threaten me again, will you? You won’t ever threaten me again.’ After others pointed out that he’s the local MP, he responded: ‘Yes I am, and you won’t threaten the MP ever again, will you?’ One onlooker quipped ‘The MP for Gobshites…’
In a statement issued to Mr S, Amesbury confirmed that he was involved in an incident ‘that took place after I felt threatened on the street following an evening out with friends’. He said that he contacted Cheshire police to report the incident and confirmed that he would cooperate with them in their inquiries. ‘I remain fully committed to working hard for the people of Runcorn and Helsby, and am determined to remain an open and accessible MP for our community.’
A spokesperson for the Labour party said:
We are aware of an incident that took place last night. We understand that Mike Amesbury MP approached Cheshire Police to report what happened this morning himself and that he will cooperate with any inquiries they have.
A spokesman for Cheshire police told Steerpike that they were probing the incident:
At 2.48am on Saturday 26 October, police were called to reports of an assault in Frodsham. A caller reported he had been assaulted by a man in Main Street. Enquiries are ongoing.
Will the Whips’ Office now get involved?
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