DAVID Davies, Monmouth MP, has been asked to step down from his role as a Special Constable after nine years of service for the British Transport Police.

The College of Policing has ruled that a Special Constable should not take an active part in politics, and the policy has forced Mr Davies to resign.

"I was saddened by their decision but obviously had to abide by it and step down." said Mr Davies.

"I decided to become a Special Constable nine years ago when I was on the Home Affairs Select Committee. It made sense to me to find out about what was going on on the street.

"I worked mostly in London so I was near to Parliament and generally worked one shift every fortnight.

"I had a great time and like to think I made a difference. I worked during the London Riots – which were horrendous – Notting Hill Carnival, the Olympics, and in Brixton I worked with a plain clothes anti-pickpocket squad."

In 2008 Mr Davies received a commendation for his arrest of a man for attempted murder. Detective Chief Superintendant Miles Flood wrote: "Through your courage of conviction you have contributed heavily in building a strong prosecution against the suspect and in helping to secure justice for the victim, who was stabbed 11 times."

Mr Davies is one of two MPs in the UK who have had to step down from their role as Special Policemen due to new College of Policing guidelines.