Kelvin MacKenzie to take on David Davis

David Davis's decision to resign his parliamentary seat and re-fight it at a by-election has stirred Kelvin MacKenzie (pictured), the former editor of the Sun, into action. He says that if Labour don't field a candidate – the Liberal Democrats have already said they will not contest the former shadow Home Secretary's Haltemprice and Howden seat – he is "90 per cent" likely to stand against Davis on a pro 42 days detention ticket.

It appears that MacKenzie, who claimed a part in finishing the political career of former Labour Party leader Neil Kinnock at the 1987 general election – 'If Neil Kinnock wins today will the last person to leave Britain turn out the lights' was the Sun's eve-of-election front page - has the backing of his old boss, Rupert Murdoch. The Sun ardently supported the new 42-day detention law, which the government managed to controversially push through the Commons on Wednesday. Says MacKenzie: "If Rupert puts up the money, then I might well do it."

He added: "I have been associated with the Sun for 30 years. The Sun is very, very hostile to David Davis because of his 28 day stance and the Sun has always been very up for 42 days and perhaps even 420 days."

It would not be the Fleet Street legend's first foray into politics. In May, he sought election as an independent for Elmbridge local council in Surrey, where he has a home. This was also inspired by a single issue – the escalation in the cost of parking tickets.