A by-election is set to be triggered in the Runcorn and Helsby constituency, as Mike Amesbury, the area’s Member of Parliament since 2017, prepares to step down following a period of legal and political turmoil.

Amesbury’s departure comes after a high-profile assault conviction, which has drawn heavy criticism from constituents and across the political spectrum. The Labour MP—currently suspended from his party and sitting as an independent—was sentenced on 24 February 2025 to 10 weeks in prison, suspended on appeal, for assaulting a constituent, Paul Fellows, in Frodsham, Cheshire.

Conviction and Fallout

The incident, captured on CCTV, occurred in the early hours of 26 October 2024, showing Amesbury repeatedly striking Fellows and knocking him to the ground. The court rejected Amesbury’s claim that he had acted in self-defence, and the MP was initially jailed, spending three nights at HMP Altcourse before a successful appeal reduced the sentence.

On 27 February, his revised sentence included 200 hours of unpaid work, participation in an alcohol monitoring programme, and completion of an anger management course. Despite his release, the conviction automatically triggered a recall petition under the Recall of MPs Act 2015, which mandates such action when a sitting MP receives a custodial sentence, suspended or otherwise.

Recall Petition and Possible By-Election

With the appeals process now concluded, the recall petition is set to open within the next 10 working days, administered by the petition officer at Halton Borough Council. The petition will run for six weeks, and if 10% of registered voters sign it, a by-election will be formally called.

However, sources suggest that Amesbury may resign before the petition concludes, which would automatically trigger a by-election, bypassing the need for the petition process entirely. If the petition proceeds and succeeds, Parliament would move quickly to call a by-election—possibly aligning with local elections on 1 May 2025.

Political Reaction and Rival Criticism

The political fallout has been swift and severe. Reform UK’s chairman, Zia Yusuf, criticised the delay in removing Amesbury from office, stating:

“The great people of Runcorn deserve far better than waiting six weeks for a recall petition. He should resign immediately.”

The Conservatives echoed this, with co-chairman Nigel Huddleston saying:

“Residents deserve an MP who can stand up for them in Parliament, not one embroiled in criminal proceedings.”

Labour Distances Itself

The Labour Party suspended Amesbury in October 2024, following news of the assault, and has now begun the process of selecting a new candidate for the likely by-election.

A Labour spokesperson said:

“His actions were completely unacceptable. We look forward to Runcorn and Helsby getting the representation they deserve with a new Labour MP.”

A Pivotal Political Contest Ahead

With Labour’s image shaken in the constituency, both Reform UK and the Conservatives are expected to mount strong campaigns, aiming to capitalise on public discontent. Political analysts anticipate a closely contested by-election, especially if timed alongside broader local elections.

The Home Secretary, Yvette Cooper, has suggested an earlier vote could be preferable, though the final timing depends on whether Amesbury resigns or the recall petition runs its course.

What Happens Next?

• If 10% of voters sign the recall petition: A by-election will be called.
• If Amesbury resigns beforehand: A by-election will be triggered immediately.
• A new MP could be elected as early as May 2025.

For updates and key dates, visit the UK Parliament website or Halton Borough Council’s electoral notices.