Every lunch in Westminster has just been rudely interrupted. Rumours are already whirling – did Davis storm out of a meeting with Cameron, angered that a Tory government would not repeal 42 days? Have the Lib Dems agreed not to stand a candidate against him? Michael Martin refused to let Davis resign in the chamber, and people are asking when in history the last by-election was called over an issue (the corn laws are being mentioned). I know some Shadow Cabinet members are shocked at this, asking if they should resign next time something big blows up.
I just met a No10 aide smiling broadly – saying this is just mad, and will be seen as such. Then again, some Tories have told me that Davis is taking a bold gamble, especially as electorate hate unnecessary by-elections and often punish the candiate. What’s more Grieve is a permanent, rather than temporary, Shadow Home Secretary.
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