The right move

I wonder whether this is going to backfire on both Davis and Cameron?

Fisrtly let's remember that polls published yesterday showed that the majority of the public behind the 42 days.

Secondly is the Conservative party really united behind this libertarian agenda?

Thirdly suppose Labour joins the Lib Dems and doesn't put up a candidate,then the by election may become a none event.

Fourthly this is a man that could potentially become Home Secretary.However much we admire his principles,can a prospective holder of a high state office really resign on a whim?

Andy McSmith writes at Open house

as the days go by, David Davis is going to regret the rush of blood to the head that led to today's announcement. He tried to give his action a heroic gloss by pointing out that he is putting his political life at risk, but that is largely beside the point. He is not likely to lose a by election; indeed if he cannot hold onto this seat with the Tories this far ahead in the polls, you wonder what can he do.

There is no official word yet from the Labour party but as James Kirkup suggests

Minutes before DD's announcement, I took a call from a Labour person who has been involved in his party's strategising over terror laws, asking if the rumours were true. Told that yes, the Shadow Home Secretary was going, this Labour type simply dissolved into laughter, gasping words like "idiot" and "bloody brilliant."
Listen carefully and you can hear champagne corks popping in Downing Street.

No official word yet from Labour