2008 Haltemprice and Howden by-election would extend the legal detention of terror suspects without charge to a maximum of 42 days. Explaining his actions, Davis stated he intended to spark a wider public debate about the perceived erosion of civil liberties by the then Labour government, which in the following week was launched as the 'David Davis for Freedom campaign'. Culture Secretary Andy Burnham called on Davis to fund the cost of the by-election to the taxpayer, estimated at £80,000, from his own pocket. Davis had held the seat as a Conservative since its creation in 1997, having previously been MP since 1987 for the
Harrow (UK Parliament constituency) Harrow (UK Parliament constituency) Harrow was a constituency of the House of Commons of the UK Parliament 1885—1945 in Middlesex, a traditional county; it covered an area forming part of the north-west of today's Greater London. It returned one Member of Parliament (MP). The constituency was created for the 1885 general election, substantially reduced on the creation of more seats in 1918 and abolished for the 1945 general election. 1918-1945: The Urban Districts of Harrow on the Hill, Greenford, Wealdstone, and Wembley and part of Hanwell. Ambrose is appointed Attorney-General of the Duchy of Lancaster, requiring a by-election. Ambrose resigned