Man ‘punched by Mike Amesbury after argument over Winter Fuel Payment pictured’

Labour MP Mike Amesbury was arguing with a constituent – reportedly about the winter fuel allowance – before he allegedly punched him in the face.

Footage then emerged, which appears to show the politician hitting a man on Saturday morning.

Now, the man who was allegedly punched has been identified by MailOnline as 42-year-old Paul Fellows.

It comes as Cheshire Police said on Sunday it had interviewed a 55-year-old man under caution in connection with an alleged assault.

A force spokesperson said: “In relation to reports of an assault in Main Street, Frodsham, which was reported at 2.48am on Saturday 26 October, a 55-year-old man has been voluntarily interviewed under caution by police in relation to this incident. He has since been released pending further enquiries.”

A Labour Party spokesperson said on Sunday: “Mike Amesbury MP has been assisting Cheshire Police with their inquiries following an incident on Friday night.

“As these inquiries are now ongoing, the Labour Party has administratively suspended Mr Amesbury’s membership of the Labour Party pending an investigation,” the statement added.

This means that Mr Amesbury has had the Labour whip suspended in the House of Commons. Reform UK had called on the MP to resign prior to the suspension.

Sir Keir wouldn’t be drawn on whether Mr Amesbury should resign as an MP but said: “I have seen the video footage; it’s shocking.

“We moved very swiftly to suspend him as a member and as a Member of Parliament. There is now a police investigation and in the circumstances you will appreciate there’s not much more I can say about that.”

In a statement issued after the incident became public, Mr Amesbury said: “Last night, I was involved in an incident that took place after I felt threatened on the street following an evening out with friends.

“This morning, I contacted Cheshire police myself to report what happened during the incident. I will not be making further public comment but will, of course, cooperate with any inquiries if required by Cheshire police.

“I remain fully committed to working hard for the people of Runcorn and Helsby, and am determined to remain an open and accessible MP for our community.”

Voters have criticised the government’s decision to axe the up to £300 winter fuel allowance for around 10 million older people.

The Chancellor Rachel Reeves has insisted tough decisions will need to be made in light of the £22billion “black hole” the Labour government claims they were left by the Tories.

Ms Reeves claims the move will save £1.4billion. Sir Keir said: “We’ve got to take difficult decisions in the Budget in relation to the missing money from the last Government, really tough decisions, like for example, the winter fuel payment, to stabilise the economy.

“Because I’m absolutely convinced that only by stabilising the economy can we attract the investment that we need in relation to your challenge.”