His friends apparently said later that he was "incandescent" at not having been consulted beforehand. Davis allegedly replied: "It's too late - I've already done it", to which Mitchell allegedly responded: "You're nuts!". Opinion outside Westminster is also sharply divided over Davis's actions. Many media commentators have poured scorn on Davis for precipitating an unnecessary by-election, characterising his actions as "quixotic", "egotistical" or even "mad". Equally, he has been described as "new voice of the people", and as setting a "powerful example". The varying opinions have been characterised as "a torrent of conflicting views". A national poll for The Independent reported that 48% thought Mr Davis was wrong to resign over 42 days detention against 39% who believed he was right. Funding Immediately following his resignation, Conservative party leader David Cameron stated that he would campaign for Davis, but he would receive no funding from Conservative Party HQ. On the day after the by-election, Davis stated on BBC Radio 2's Jeremy Vine Show that this lack of party funding had produced an unexpected demonstration of grassroots support for the campaign, with the subsequent donation of £40,000 toward the campaign in small amounts from many sources around the country. 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. See also Civil liberties in the UK Detainee References External links Official campaign website Libertarianism in the United Kingdom Human rights in the United Kingdom Terrorism in the United Kingdom Election campaigns in the United Kingdom 2008 in British politics Political campaigns in the United Kingdom 2008 in England