[UKrepublican]

Can't put into words just how shocking a piece of news this is. It has literally stunned the political establishment - without question the most conservative and effective politician in the shaddow cabinet. (you may remember him from the leadership campaign he lost to Cameron).

Rumors suggest he has had a major row with Cameron and will campaign in the by election he is calling on the 42 day issue, strangely without any party backing.

He's due to make a statement in a minute which you can watch here:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/nol/ukfs_news/bsp/hi/news24live/html/news24.stm

[snowman_returns]

This is real bad news for the Conservatives, he was one of the only Torys left who I would trust to have our nations interests at heart.

And just as the conservative party looked to be making a comeback as well....

[vimto]

Sorry I posted later than yourself on this issue....

It is remarkable....but he has done the country a service....in getting this to the people (albeit only his own constituency) but the nation will be involved in the debate.

[C19fan]

As a Yank I have a few questions:

1: Why did the Right Honourable Mr. Davis resign? Wouldn’t his No vote and a public statement on this issue been enough.
2: From what I understand none of the other parties will field a candidate so does it make whatever statement Mr. Davis intended mute?
3: Since he will be automatically re-elected is he still a Tory and get his post back as Shadow Home Secretary?
4: Why is this such an embarassment for the Tories and Cameron?

[BillyBoy]

Well, it's about time. Those politicians really DO serve forever! He was a Lincoln appointee! ;-)

David Davis
Judge of the U.S. Supreme Court
Appointed 1862

[SunkenCiv]

Davis blows his top
The dramatic resignation of the shadow home secretary
Jun 12th 2008
http://www.economist.com/world/britain/displaystory.cfm?story_id=11559259

[snip] Mr Davis talked about Magna Carta and habeas corpus, and has consistently opposed the government’s illiberal laws. But politics, as well as principle, may be involved. Mr Cameron called the stand “courageous” — but emphasised that Mr Davis’s decision was a personal one; he announced that Dominic Grieve would be taking on the home-affairs brief. There were whispers of a split between the Davids over whether, in office, they would repeal the 42-day law (assuming it becomes one). The fact that Mr Davis had consulted the Liberal Democrats, who also opposed longer detention, will also irk some Tories. The Lib Dems immediately said they would not run a candidate against him. [end]

Irrational exuberance
Why, without David Davis, the Conservatives need a Pickles tendency
Jun 19th 2008
http://www.economist.com/world/britain/displaystory.cfm?story_id=11579572