Bouncer beats up MP

Bouncer beats up MP

Ian McCartney, MP for Makerfield and Labour's front-bench employment spokesman, was beaten up yesterday in a social club in his constituency, writes Paul Routledge.

Mr McCartney, 45, is five feet two inches in height and is certainly the smallest male MP. He has campaigned for several years against violence by bouncers.

He was head-butted and punched about the face in the unprovoked attack in Platt Bridge Labour Club, Wigan, shortly after taking a constituents' surgery nearby. He suffered a broken nose and was said last night to be "very bruised and shaken."

Ann McCartney, his wife, said: "We have had verbal attacks for several years. A wreath has been nailed to our front door, and a sympathy card was sent to [Ian] on my `death'. They have even sent information from facial reconstruction clinics. It is just intimidation, but you don't give in."

The Makerfield MP began a campaign for the registration and control of club bouncers several years ago after complaints from constituents about violence by security staff. Many pubs and clubs in the area employ men on the doors, particularly at weekends.

Greater Manchester police were last night hunting for the MP's assailant, whose identity was said to be known.