A TOP Tory politician is set to resign as an MP, reports have suggested.

A TOP Tory politician is set to resign as an MP, reports have suggested.

Shadow Home Secretary David Davis is believed to be set to trigger a by-election in his Haltemprice and Howden seat.

The 59-year-old is one of the best known Conservatives, and was the early favourite to succeed Michael Howard as leader but ended runner up to David Cameron in the party leadership election in 2005.

It is understood Mr Davis will make a statement shortly.

Commentators have suggested Mr Davis will stand as a Conservative candidate again for the same seat, in the by-election set to be held on July 10.

It is thought he wants to highlight the issue of the erosion of civil liberties in Britain following the governments narrow victory yesterday on the controversial 42 day anti-terror detention plans.