'Forgotten' town's political future hangs in balance as MP faces potential jail time

Mike Amesbury, the MP for Runcorn and the neighbouring parish of Helsby, pleaded guilty on Thursday to assaulting one of his constituents after a night out in Frodsham last year

It's a typical January morning in Runcorn town centre, with locals bustling about their daily routines. Independent shop owners on Regent Street are preparing for the day ahead in this industrial town and cargo port, home to around 62,000 people.

Runcorn finds itself uniquely positioned both geographically and culturally. Nestled on the banks of the River Mersey, it technically falls within the Liverpool City Region, yet also firmly resides within Cheshire county.

This week, Runcorn has been thrust into the spotlight due to the actions of its elected representative in Parliament. Mike Amesbury, MP for Runcorn and neighbouring Helsby, admitted to assaulting a constituent after an evening out in Frodsham last year.

Amesbury, a former shadow minister now expelled from the Labour Party, awaits a verdict next month to determine if his 'highly regrettable' actions will result in jail time. The outcome could significantly impact the town, its residents, and its political landscape.

Despite the controversy, many Runcorn locals express sympathy for Amesbury, viewing him as a competent MP. Resident Phil Phair sought Amesbury's assistance over issues with hazardous cladding at his apartment block, reports the Liverpool Echo.

"We have had cladding problems and when Mike was a shadow minister he was fantastic," says Phil, 58. "And he didn't change when Labour got into power. Nothing is too much effort for him and he works really hard."

Phil also commented on the actions that may have now tarnished his political career: "He's made a mistake and he's been criticised for it," adds Phil. "I do feel sorry for him and would be sad to see him go."

Amesbury's conviction leaves his parliamentary constituency in somewhat of a state of uncertainty. If he receives a custodial sentence next month - suspended or otherwise - it will automatically trigger what is known as a recall petition aimed at removing him from office.

This petition would only need the signatures of 10% of electors in the constituency to lead to the first by-election since the Labour government came to power in July.

Even if the 55 year old avoids a jail sentence, there is a good chance he could resign his position, which would also lead to an election. Such a vote could cause a headache for Prime Minister Keir Starmer after his new government's rocky start to life in power.

While this area is traditionally a Labour stronghold, the new Labour administration's shaky start and the rising popularity of Nigel Farage's Reform party could make this a tight race. According to current odds, bookmakers have Labour slightly ahead of Reform in Runcorn and Helsby, with Farage's party predictably urging Amesbury to resign and trigger a vote.

But what do the locals think about the possibility of a Farage candidate representing their town?

Joe Robson, who operates The Cycle Centre on Regent Street, can't imagine anything worse.

"Parts of Runcorn might be taken in by them, it is part of the mindset for some around here, but I would like to think that the majority would see that Nigel Farage is not suitable for modern politics," explains Joe.

"He has got an older mindset and he is not willing to change that mindset with the world as it is moving. I think he uses social media to tap into people's vulnerabilities. I am not one for Farage. Not in the slightest."

This is a view shared by Shirley Ireland-Jones, who is on her way to the shops when she stops to chat. She says she is 'worried that a party like Reform even exists' and is doing so well in the polls, adding: "I have seen people in Runcorn leaning a bit that way. It really doesn't make me happy."

"It worries me to death. But other people have different points of view. I think we should be accepting people of different cultures and beliefs."

Commenting on the Amesbury incident, she claimed: "If you are in the public eye, you can't put yourself in a position where you are likely to lose it. Don't be drinking in public, if you want to socialise like that do it at home. If you do it in public then your defences are down and your filters might not be functioning right. At least he has pleaded guilty and accepted the responsibility for that action."

As Runcorn seeks a new Member of Parliament, one sentiment echoes unanimously among its residents - the urgency to rejuvenate their town centre and attract more visitors. Many locals we've spoken to express feeling 'forgotten about' for what seems like an eternity in this part of town.

Nevertheless, community heads are actively developing a substantial scheme named Reconnecting Runcorn, which aspires to transform the town centre. This ambitious £24m proposal is structured around eight related projects, including creating a hub for health and education, establishing a centre for creative and digital skills, constructing new town centre residences geared towards those over 55, and revitalising the vicinity of the Bridgewater Canal.

Chris Jones, proprietor of Hot Frog Records on Regent Street, remains sceptical, adopting a 'see it to believe it' stance. Having operated a picture framing enterprise at the same spot for 25 years prior to switching to record sales roughly 18 months ago, he's no stranger to government pledges that have historically failed to materialise.

A local shop owner shared his disappointment with the lack of progress in Runcorn, "I would like to see something done in our little old town, that we were promised when I opened a shop here 25 years ago," lamented the 68 year old. He recalled being promised regeneration, "We were promised regeneration in Runcorn so I left the job I was in - I was a graphic designer - and opened up a picture framing business here because I saw they were regenerating the old town. I've been here for 25 years and if anything it has gone down."

He feels neglected as plans only seem to center on the High Street, "We feel totally forgotten down here."

Joe Robson voiced the need for activities catering to the youth, highlighting the plight of local mountain bikers for whom infrastructure is non-existent. "Just as an example, we have a pretty avid mountain bike community here in Runcorn, but there is nowhere for them to go, no infrastructure. We have built up a little area ourselves but have been kicked out many times."

He reminisces about better days for youngsters, "It is giving these young lads something to do. It is better than them hanging outside the Maccies or the Co-op at night. If you look at when we were younger there were youth centres, there was so much more for young people to do. Nowadays they have nowhere to go, so I would like to see someone to look at that."

Similarly, resident Phil Phair wishes for a revitalised town centre, underscoring a sense of abandonment, "Regeneration is the big thing I think," he states. "It feels like Runcorn gets nothing. This is a great area and there is loads they could do with it to make it smarter and get people in, it feels a bit forgotten about here."