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Labour to face a tough by-election after disgraced MP Mike Amesbury quits
Runcorn and Helsby MP Mike Amesbury (centre) leaving Chester Crown Court after he had his 10-week prison sentence for assault suspended for two years following an appeal, February 27, 2025

LABOUR is set to face a tough by-election challenge after disgraced MP Mike Amesbury bowed to the inevitable and announced that he will quit.

Mr Amesbury has been under pressure to leave the Commons after receiving a 10-week sentence, suspended on appeal, for punching a constituent.

He said this week that he would quit “at the earliest opportunity” as it became clear that he would otherwise face a recall petition under a procedure whereby 10 per cent of electors in the constituency can force a poll.

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