The Wardman Wire

David Davis - the Conservative Shadow Home Secretary - has triggered a byelection in his home constituency over the issue of 42 days detention without trial.

via the BBC:

Shadow home secretary David Davis is set to resign as an MP, the BBC understands.

There has been speculation he wants to trigger a by-election in his Haltemprice and Howden seat.

Mr Davis has been a passionate opponent of plans to extend the terror detention limit to 42 days.

The 59-year-old is one of the best known Conservatives, and was runner-up to David Cameron in the party leadership election in 2005.

News of his planned resignation came as a complete surprise in Westminster - and speculation is rife about his possible motives.

Conservative sources have told BBC Political Editor Nick Robinson Mr Davis told Mr Cameron of his decision on Wednesday evening.

His by-election campaign would be “personal and not backed by the full resources of the Conservative Party”, the source added.

Sources say Mr Davis wants to fight a by-election on the 42-day issue.

We’ll come back with some more detailed comment in the next half hour.