Brown makes most of Tory resignation

London: Prime Minister Gordon Brown was quick to capitalise on Conservative discomfort over the resignation of David Davis, saying yesterday the security issue had exposed Tory divisions.

Seizing on what commentators called "the first bit of good news he has had for months", the prime minister said Davis's decision to fight a by-election on the "42-days issue" was a "stunt that has become a farce". He was speaking as former Sun editor Kelvin Mackenzie revealed he may challenge Davis in the July 10 by-election in East Yorkshire.

Davis, whose unprecedented decision perplexed fellow Conservatives, said: "I feel duty bound to make a personal stand against this assault on fundamental freedoms."