LABOUR MP Mike Amesbury was the target of a lengthy wind-up and personal attack before he punched a constituent, a friend claims.
The politician, 55, was caught on camera flooring an unidentified man with a left hook in the early hours of Saturday.
He has since been suspended and quizzed by police, as pressure grows for him to stand down - and he's been warned he faces prison.
Sir Keir Starmer said the incident was “shocking” and defended Labour’s decision.
Tory leadership hopeful Robert Jenrick said today Amesbury should not be an MP following the brawl.
The incident occurred in Frodsham, Cheshire, within his own Runcorn and Helsby constituency.
Hours before the fight, Amesbury posed for snaps with the local police commissioner.
The MP said he was "listening to residents' concerns and ideas for policing and community safety".
Amesbury released a statement prior to the damning CCTV evidence emerging saying he had "felt threatened" during the 2.15am altercation.
However, pal and former Labour adviser Matthew Torbitt claims the former member of Sir Keir Starmer's Shadow Cabinet was subjected to a "lengthy wind up".
He said Amesbury had also suffered "personal attacks" before throwing the drunken punch.
Mr Torbitt told GB News: "I cannot put into words how out of character this is… he's gentle, he's very kind, he's very laid back...
“I won't divulge private conversations, from what I can gather from other people there was a sustained wind up, a personal attack that evening by said individual in the videos.
"However, no one can make any excuse for the reaction it has provoked."
Mr Torbitt went on to say people in such a position "can't go around doing things like that no matter how wound up you are".
"He’s probably ruined his life in one semi-drunken decision,” he added.
Nigel Farage-fronted Reform UK, who came second in Amesbury's Runcorn seat, have urged the Labour politician to trigger a by-election immediately rather than leave constituents in limbo while a police probe drags on.
Initial mobile phone video showed the MP shouting "you'll never threaten me again" as the man lay on the ground next to a taxi rank.
When someone in the background points out Amesbury is the local MP, he says: “Yes I am. You won’t threaten the MP ever again, will you?”
However, CCTV footage then emerged showing him seemingly throwing the first punch.
He appears in animated fashion before letting loose the strike to the man's head.
The MP then continues to swing up to six more strikes at the man while he's sat on the floor - though it's unclear how many connect.
Confirming his suspension, a Labour spokesperson said yesterday: “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.”
A spokesperson for Cheshire Police said: "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."
Last year, a 56-year-old man was convicted of stalking and harassing Mr Amesbury in his constituency office in a shopping centre in Frodsham in 2022.
Warrington magistrates’ court was told that Stephen Cowell had stared through the office glass, asked guards about the level of security guards and cameras present and followed him to his car, reports .
Mr Amesbury said prior to the release of the punch CCTV: "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 this 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.”
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