Reform UK’s former candidate Jason Moorcroft has called for the Conservatives to “step aside” in a possible by-election following Mike Amesbury’s imprisonment for assault.
The appeal comes after the former Labour MP for Runcorn and Helsby was handed a 10-week jail sentence for attacking a constituent in Frodsham last October.
Moorcroft, who previously contested the seat against Amesbury, told GB News: “We want everyone’s vote. Labour’s vote or Tories to step aside, that would be fantastic.”
The potential by-election could be triggered if 10 per cent of constituents sign a recall petition.
Moorcroft told Kemi Badenoch’s party to step aside
PARLIAMENT / PA / GB NEWS
Reform UK has been tipped to increase its MP count to six, with top pollster Luke Tryl warning that Reform is “on track” to take the constituency.
The party finished second in the seat at the last general election.
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS
Jason Moorcroft joined Patrick Christys on GB News
GB NEWS
Speaking about Reform UK’s chances in any upcoming contest, Moorcroft expressed confidence based on local campaigning efforts.
“We’ve been out canvassing and the feedback has been fantastic,” he told GB News.
“If I was being pessimistic, I would say we’re neck and neck,” he added.
While Moorcroft has expressed interest in standing again, he acknowledged the final candidate selection remains undecided.
Nigel Farage will be eyeing up the seat
GB NEWS
“There’s been no decision made yet. We will wait and see. Of course I want to,” he said.
“I’m very passionate about the area and nothing would be greater, but it’s up to the powers that be.”
GB News has reported that Leave.EU co-founder Arron Banks, who was brought up in nearby Winsford, could be considered as a potential candidate.
However, party sources have downplayed Banks’s chances of being selected to contest the seat.
Amesbury, 55, was caught on camera punching constituent Paul Fellowes, 45, outside a taxi rank in Frodsham during the early hours of October 26, 2024.
Chester Magistrates Court heard how the former MP punched Fellowes to the ground before hitting him five more times.
After the assault, Amesbury could be heard shouting: “You won’t threaten the MP ever again, will you?”
He initially claimed self-defence but later withdrew that claim.
The Labour Party took swift action following the incident, suspending Amesbury who has since represented the constituency as an independent.
Labour confirmed it will field a new candidate, stating: “Local residents in the Runcorn & Helsby constituency deserved better, and we look forward to them getting the representation they deserve in the future with a new Labour MP.”
Five per cent of voters in the constituency have already signed a petition demanding an immediate General Election.