Starmer: MP Mike Amesbury CCTV footage 'shocking'

The Prime Minister has said video footage that has emerged of MP Mike Amesbury appearing to punch a man to the ground is "shocking".

Amesbury has been suspended from the party and has had the Labour whip withdrawn after CCTV footage appeared on Sunday.

Sir Keir Starmer said the party had “moved very swiftly” to respond after the footage was published.

He added: "There is now a police investigation and in the circumstances you'll appreciate there's not much more I can say about that."

Cheshire Police said a 55-year-old man had been voluntarily interviewed under caution in relation to the incident and had since been released pending further enquiries.

In footage obtained by the Daily Mail, the Runcorn and Helsby MP is apparently seen continuing to hit the man as he lies in the street.

Amesbury has been contacted for comment.

A different video, posted on X, purported to show Amesbury shouting and swearing at the man lying in the street in Frodsham, Cheshire.

The MP was first elected to the Commons in 2017 representing Weaver Vale.

In the last election he was selected for a redrawn constituency of Runcorn and Helsby.

He was elected in the July general election with a majority of 14,696.

A former shadow housing minister, he is currently a member of two Commons committees - the Housing Communities and Local Government Committee and the Modernisation Committee.

In July 2023, a 56-year-old man was found guilty of stalking and harassing Amesbury at his constituency office and in town.

The Manchester-born MP is a former careers adviser and has worked with Deputy PM Angela Rayner and Greater Manchester Metro Mayor Andy Burnham.