David Davis resigns — Clegg does right thing

[matgb]

David Davis (Tory Shadow Home Secretary) has resigned on a point of principle and as I start writing this I hear that Clegg has announced the Lib Dems won't stand against him (ETA: confirmed at the Spectator).

Clegg is 100% correct

That was what I was going to suggest should happen, Labour were a distant third last time but as this is a single issue resignation in order to reinforce there is no mandate for the use of the Parliament Act, and Lib Dem party policy agrees completely with DD's stance, Clegg is correct to suggest no candidate. I believe that constitutionally the local party should be consulted, and I strongly hope that Haltemprice and Howden Lib Dems will not only acquiesce, but will also get out and back him on the campaign trail to strongly reinforce and fight on the issue.

Dodgy polls asking push questions show there is support for the 42 days measure, but an uninformed opinion based on a question that summarises the issue isn't enough.

I never thought I'd say this, but David Davis just went a long way up in my estimation.

Comments

Re: Opinion poll question

[doccy.livejournal.com]

Matt? Here's the pdf with the data. (http://www.yougov.com/uk/archives/pdf/Liberty%20results%2008%2003%2027%20(2).pdf)

*edit to make the link work*

...*reads through* Wait, that looks like old data. At least, I think so - poll from the end of March? Ah well, sorry!

Re: Opinion poll question

[matgb]

Yeah, it's old data from Liberty, and it's an example of a push poll the other way, first question gives two options, help police or desire to look tough

The latter got the most support, as that can include people supportive of the policy and think the Govt should be tough. The rest of the answers are thus slightly suspect as a result.

But thx. I'm guessing the full sheet for the Telegraph poll will be out soon (they have to publish by British Polling Council rules).