Yvette Cooper calls for new Runcorn MP after Amesbury jailed – but will keep his £91,000 salary

Breaking News: Labour MP Mike Amesbury Jailed for Assaulting Constituent, Sparks Calls for Resignation

In a shocking turn of events, Mike Amesbury, the Labour MP for Weaver Vale, has been sentenced to 10 weeks in prison for assaulting a constituent. The incident, which occurred in October 2023, involved Amesbury physically attacking Paul Fellows, a 45-year-old man, during a night out in Frodsham, Cheshire. The court found Amesbury guilty of assault by beating, and he has since been imprisoned at HMP Altcourse in Liverpool. Despite his incarceration, Amesbury continues to receive his £91,000 annual MP salary, sparking widespread outrage and calls for his resignation. Home Secretary Yvette Cooper has joined the chorus of voices demanding that Amesbury be replaced, stating that the people of Runcorn deserve better representation.

The Incident and Its Aftermath: A Labour MP’s Downfall

The assault occurred in October 2023, and Amesbury initially faced widespread condemnation when CCTV footage of the incident became public. The footage showed Amesbury punching Fellows to the ground and striking him five more times. Amesbury pleaded guilty to the charges in January of this year and later expressed remorse for his actions, describing the incident as "highly regrettable" and offering an apology to Fellows and his family. However, Amesbury’s guilty plea has not led to his resignation, despite growing pressure from both within and outside his party. His refusal to step down has left constituents and political opponents alike questioning his suitability to continue serving as an MP.

Yvette Cooper and the Call for Fresh Representation

Home Secretary Yvette Cooper has been at the forefront of calls for Amesbury’s removal from office. Speaking on Sky News Breakfast, Cooper emphasized the need for fresh representation in Runcorn, stating, "The people of Runcorn deserve better representation, and that would come by having a newly elected MP." She highlighted the importance of accountability in public office, noting that no one, regardless of their position, should be above the law. Cooper’s comments reflect the broader sentiment among many in the political and public spheres that Amesbury’s actions have irreparably damaged his ability to represent his constituents effectively.

The Conservative Response: Calls for Rule Changes

The Conservative Party has also weighed in on the matter, with shadow minister Victoria Atkins expressing her disgust at the situation. Atkins criticized the current parliamentary rules that allow Amesbury to retain his salary while serving his prison sentence, calling it "extraordinary" that an MP can continue to draw a paycheck despite being unable to perform their duties. She emphasized the need for the government to review and amend the rules surrounding MP conduct and accountability, stating that the public expects greater transparency and accountability from their elected representatives. Atkins’ comments highlight the bipartisan consensus that the current system is in need of reform to prevent similar situations in the future.

Labour’s Internal Response: Suspension and Ongoing Fallout

Amesbury was suspended by the Labour Party shortly after the assault came to light, following the release of CCTV footage. Since then, he has been sitting as an independent MP, while Labour has made it clear that he will not be allowed to rejoin the party. This decision reflects the organization’s effort to distance itself from Amesbury’s actions, which have undoubtedly tarnished the party’s reputation. However, Labour’s handling of the situation has not been without criticism, with some questioning whether the party could have taken stronger action earlier. The ongoing fallout from Amesbury’s behavior continues to cast a shadow over the party’s efforts to maintain public trust.

The Broader Implications: Calls for Accountability and Reform

The Amesbury case has raised important questions about the accountability of elected officials and the mechanisms in place to address misconduct. Reform UK has joined Labour and the Conservatives in calling for Amesbury’s immediate resignation, arguing that his continued presence in parliament undermines public trust in the political system. The case has also highlighted the need for clearer guidelines regarding the suspension of pay for MPs who are convicted of crimes while in office. Currently, parliamentary rules only allow for the suspension of pay if an MP is suspended from the House of Commons, which has not happened in Amesbury’s case. This loophole has been criticized by many, who argue that it fails to hold MPs to the same standards of accountability as other public servants.

In the broader context, the Amesbury case serves as a stark reminder of the need for greater accountability and transparency in public office. It has galvanized calls for reform, with many lawmakers and advocacy groups pushing for changes to the rules governing MP conduct and compensation. As the situation continues to unfold, one thing is clear: the people of Runcorn, and indeed the wider public, expect their elected representatives to be held to the highest standards of integrity and accountability. The failure to meet these expectations undermines the very foundation of trust upon which democratic governance is built.