Watch as Ben Leo takes to the streets of Runcorn ahead of a possible by-election in the constituency to gauge the local sentiment.

A recall petition will take place in Runcorn and Helsby after MP Mike Amesbury was handed a 10-week jail sentence for punching a constituent.

The former Labour MP’s sentence was suspended for two years, meaning he will not serve time behind bars unless he commits any more crimes within that time.

The petition, which can be signed by anyone in the area who is entitled to vote, could spark a by-election if 10 per cent of the electorate sign it.

A group of Runcorn locals have delivered their verdict on Nigel Farage

Ben Leo asked a small sample of constituents who they would vote for should a by-election take place.

It was good news for Nigel Farage with five respondents from nine backing his Reform UK to take up the mantle from Labour.

Mike Amesbury has been handed a suspended sentence PA

“Not Labour after what Mike [Amesbury] has done”, one local said. “[I would vote for] the [Nigel] Farage people.”

Another local told Ben he would vote Reform, saying “they are different from Labour and the Conservatives”.

One told Ben he would back Reform but admitted he was not convinced by Farage’s party, branding them “lukewarm”.

Another local said they would continue to back Labour and also supported Mike Amesbury despite his conviction, saying “he was defending his family”.

Nigel Farage is hoping to snatch the seat

Some respondents told Ben they would not back any of the parties as they voiced their frustration at the state of politics in Britain.

One told the GB News star “they’re all s***” in a sweary tirade.

Of all the respondents, Labour picked up three approvals, Reform nabbed five, while the Tories picked up none compared to the Lib Dems’ one.

The small sample size may not be reflective of the constituency’s overall sentiment with Labour delivering a healthy majority in the last election.

Given Reform UK’s strong performance in the polls, Nigel Farage’s party will be hopeful they can turn their second place at the 2024 general election into a win.