LABOUR is set to face a tough by-election challenge after disgraced MP Mike Amesbury bowed to the inevitable and announced that he will quit.

Mr Amesbury has been under pressure to leave the Commons after receiving a 10-week sentence, suspended on appeal, for punching a constituent.

He said this week that he would quit “at the earliest opportunity” as it became clear that he would otherwise face a recall petition under a procedure whereby 10 per cent of electors in the constituency can force a poll.