Reform UK’s Deputy Leader Richard Tice has called for Mike Amesbury to resign as MP, and has announced his party will mount a significant campaign effort in the possible Runcorn by-election.
Speaking to GB News, Tice confirmed Reform UK would be “going for the Runcorn seat big time” once the by-election is officially announced.
The party’s deputy leader emphasised his party’s commitment to mounting a serious challenge in the constituency, stating they would be “working very, very hard” to secure the seat.
“Nothing’s easy, and indeed, nor should it be, of course,” Tice declared.
Richard Tice has hit out at the sentencing of former Labour MP Mike Amesbury
GB News / PA
Mike Amesbury was sentenced to 10 weeks imprisonment at Chester Magistrates’ Court on Monday for assaulting a man in Frodsham in late 2024.
Hitting out at the verdict, Tice told GB News: “Doesn’t it tell you something about Labour politicians that here’s a man who punched and thumped one of his constituents has been sent to jail, but he doesn’t have the moral decency or integrity to resign.”
The Reform UK Deputy Leader also highlighted the ongoing taxpayer funding of the jailed MP.
“In no private sector business would that be allowed to continue? But if you’re a Labour politician, just keep taking the shilling from the taxpayer, even when you’re in jail,” Tice said.
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Mike Amesbury was slapped with a 10-week prison sentence for punching a man in the street in a late-night bust-upPAThe Boston and Skegness MP concluded his remarks with a stark assessment of what he views as a broader ethical issue within the Labour Party.
“I think that tells us a lot about the complete collapse in integrity amongst socialists,” he stated.
“We won’t take anything for granted,” Tice emphasised, underlining his party’s serious approach to the upcoming electoral contest.
Amesbury, who has represented Runcorn and Helsby since 2017, pleaded guilty to assault by beating last month.
Tice told GB News that Amesbury has ‘no moral decency’ in his decision so far to not resign as MP
GB News
Amesbury expressed being “sincerely sorry to Mr Fellows and his family” and was ordered to pay £200 in compensation.
The former Labour MP will serve his sentence at HMP Altcourse in Liverpool, a Category B prison, with the judge ruling he must serve 40 per cent of the term in custody.
Amesbury has so far not taken action to resign as MP, despite widespread calls from all political sides.
His application for bail was refused and will continue to receive his £91,000 salary in prison.