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Cameron backing Davis before divisive by-election

02/07/2008

David Davis' Haltemprice and Howden by-election campaign will receive its first – and probably only – visit from Conservative leader David Cameron today.

Mr Davis stepped down from parliament after the Commons granted approval for the government's pre-charge detention plans, with the maximum limit being extended to 42 days.

Without approval from Mr Cameron or from Conservative Central Office Mr Davis resigned to fight an unnecessary by-election, which will take place on July 10th.

Today's visit is expected to be the only one by Mr Cameron to the constituency, giving Mr Davis the bare minimum of support needed by his former leadership rival.

Among those challenging Mr Davis in the constituency are the Green party and a former rape victim, both of whom are mounting challenges on Mr Davis' civil liberties stance.

Green candidate Shan Oakes argues Mr Davis is too authoritarian, while Jill Saward believes he has focused too heavily on civil liberties when more needs to be done to address sexual violence.

Labour is not standing a candidate against Mr Davis on the grounds that the by-election is a waste of taxpayers' money, while the Liberal Democrats agreed not to stand because they agree with Mr Davis on the 42-day issue.

Mr Cameron is reportedly due in the Yorkshire constituency at 17:00 BST.