FORMER shadow home secretary David Davis will face a challenger in his re-election bid after ex-Sun editor Kelvin MacKenzie threw his hat into the ring.
A vocal supporter of the government's 42-day terror detention law, Mr MacKenzie said he will challenge Mr Davis if Labour did not field a candidate in the Haltemprice and Howden by-election, forced by Mr Davis's resignation.
It is understood Mr MacKenzie's stand would be backed by the Sun and its owner Rupert Murdoch.
Mr MacKenzie said he had two reasons for running: "One is that the Sun is very, very hostile to David Davis because of his 28-day stand, and the Sun has always been up for 42 days, or perhaps even 420 days, frankly."
Mr Davis insisted he would be `perfectly happy' to debate the issues with Mr MacKenzie.
He also challenged Gordon Brown to prove he is not a `coward' as he launched his controversial one-man crusade against the terror detention legislation.
He insisted Labour would demonstrate `contempt' for the public by failing to face him in the by-election.
'Principled'
The Liberal Democrats are supporting his `principled' stand against the 42-day extension of the detention of terror suspects without charge and will not put up a candidate.
And yhere is growing speculation that Labour will `opt out' of the by-election to undermine Mr Davis's grand gesture.
Amid claims that his shock resignation yesterday is backfiring, Mr Davis said: "If they choose not to take part in this democratic process that I'm talking about, they are going to show that they are ashamed of their own policies.
"Frankly, it's contemptuous of the British electorate if they do that.
"If it comes to it and they don't run, I will think that's just another piece of cowardice by Gordon Brown."
The prime minister condemned Mr Davis' actions as a `stunt that has become a farce'.
But Mr Brown would not reveal whether Labour would enter a candidate at the by-election.
After a breakfast meeting with UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon, he said: "I think everyone now recognises that this is a stunt that has become a farce and has revealed the deep divisions of the party."
Tory MPs have insisted Mr Davis's resignation had nothing to do with any fallout with party leader David Cameron.
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Jimmy Jazz, Salford (13/06/2008 at 11:32)
The Sun isn't exactly known for it's impartial opinions and thoroughly researched articles now is it? Buy The Sun and listen what it says if you want to know the latest big brother or celebrity antics, but nothing more than that. It can never be construed as a real newspaper and if you read it or listen to those behind it then you should take it for what it is. Implausible and superficial.
Rupert Murdoch, a supporter of the current american government. Is that not saying enough.
Grief Tourist, Tameside (13/06/2008 at 12:19)
Mr Manchester (13/06/2008 at 13:16)
Black Flag (13/06/2008 at 13:37)
I wish David Davis every success in wiping the floor with him.
I B Happy, Seven Dwarfs Mansion (13/06/2008 at 14:00)
That way everyone one will know that he has cost the tax payer £70,000 or so - for NOTHING!
Black Flag (13/06/2008 at 14:26)
So, on one hand, he is claiming that he printed untrue statements about Hillsborough because he was lied to by a politician and a senior police officer.
On the other hand, he is taking a stand because he believes we should have laws which would allow a politician (specifically the Home Secretary) and a senior police officer to imprison somebody for over a year without any solid evidence against them.
That kind of reasoning sums MacKenzie up perfectly.
Technobabble, Manchester (13/06/2008 at 14:44)
I had no idea that "The Sun" supported the 42 day detention period (why would I, I don’t read that rag) and despite personally disagreeing with this 42 day issue, I feel that they are as entitled to their opinion as anyone. But fielding a candidate for MP just because they think they can is ridiculous, they are there to report the news, not make it. As others have said, I sincerely hope Mr Davis wipes the floor with them.
Technobabble, Manchester (13/06/2008 at 19:39)
Grief Tourist, Tameside (14/06/2008 at 10:04)