Prepare to Sign the Recall Petition for Mike Amesbury

Mike Amesbury, the MP for Runcorn and Helmsby, has been sentenced to 10 months in prison for assaulting a constituent. This conviction may trigger a recall petition, giving local voters the power to remove him from office and force a by-election. If you are a registered voter in his constituency, this is your opportunity to hold your representative accountable.

Here’s what you need to know about the process and how you can participate.

What is a Recall Petition?

A recall petition is a formal process that allows voters to remove an MP before the next general election. Under the Recall of MPs Act 2015, a recall petition can be triggered if an MP is convicted of a crime and sentenced to less than 12 months in prison. If at least 10% of registered voters in the constituency sign the petition, a by-election will be held.

When Will the Recall Petition Open?

If the petition is triggered, it will be available for constituents to sign for only six weeks. The exact start date will be announced by the Speaker of the House of Commons and the local Petition Officer. Keep an eye on local news and official government sources for confirmation.

Where and How Can You Sign?

Once the petition is open, registered voters in the constituency can sign it in three ways:

1. In-person – Visit one of the designated signing stations, which will be listed by the Petition Officer. Locations will be publicly announced, and you will need to provide valid identification.
2. By post – If you are registered for postal voting, you can request a postal signing form from the Petition Officer. Make sure to return it before the deadline.
3. Via a proxy – If you are unable to sign in person, you can apply for a proxy, allowing someone else to sign on your behalf. Contact your local electoral office for guidance on how to set this up.

The petition must be signed within the six-week window, and signatures cannot be added after the deadline.

Why Does This Matter?

This recall petition is about upholding integrity in public office. An MP convicted of a violent crime should be held accountable to the people they represent. If the petition gathers enough signatures, a by-election will be triggered, giving constituents the chance to elect a new MP who better represents their interests.

How Can You Help?

• Spread the word – Inform friends, family, and neighbors in the constituency about the petition.
• Stay informed – Follow updates from official sources to know when and where to sign.
• Encourage participation – Remind others of the importance of democratic accountability.
• Demand Immediate Action – Whether or not Mike Amesbury appeals his sentence, he will continue receiving his MP salary until he is unseated. Email your local MP and other representatives to demand that a recall petition is triggered immediately. Use the TOBI UK email template to make your voice heard: (An email will soon be available from TOBI UK.)

Final Thoughts

If the recall petition is triggered, time will be limited. Constituents will have just six weeks to gather enough signatures. Make sure your voice is heard and take this opportunity to shape the future of your representation in Parliament.

For more details on recall petitions and the signing process, visit the Electoral Commission website at: www.electoralcommission.org.uk.

Stay updated and be ready to act when the petition opens.