Mike Amesbury resigns as MP, triggering by-election

British MP Mike Amesbury has announced his resignation from parliament after being convicted for assaulting a constituent, Paul Fellows, during a drunken altercation. Initially sentenced to 10 weeks in prison, Amesbury successfully appealed for the sentence to be suspended for two years, alongside community service requirements. Despite expressing deep regret, he stated he would have preferred to remain an MP if given a lighter sentence. His decision to step down will trigger a by-election in his Runcorn and Helsby seat, posing a significant electoral test for Labour under Sir Keir Starmer's leadership. Amesbury has committed to resigning 'as soon as possible', once his office winding-up procedures are complete. Reform UK, which was the runner-up in the previous election, is expected to contest vigorously for the seat.