A LIBERAL Democrat MP has hit out at Home Secretary Theresa May following his shock resignation, saying she repeatedly attempted to block his activities in office.

Former Home Office minister Norman Baker said aides to the Tory MP "tried to minimise (his) room for manoeuvre" before his surprise departure earlier this week.

And he insisted his decision had not created an extra headache for his party.

"I think what I'm doing actually strengthens the position because I think the Home Secretary, I hope, will now think more carefully about how she engages with her Coalition partners," he said.

Tory MPs hit back accusing Mr Baker of trying to throw his weight around and acting as if he had the same ministerial rank as the cabinet minister Ms May.

Mr Baker's decision comes almost six months before next May's general election, where he faces a tough fight to keep his seat against the Tories.

There were no signs last night that any other Lib Den ministers were planning to follow Mr Baker out of government.

But his resignation has done little to ease tension between the Coalition partners.

Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg appointed Lynne Featherstone, who previously served as equalities minister, to replace Mr Baker.

In Chatham, Kent, the Prime Minister heaped praise on Ms May, insisting she was the tough, strong Home Secretary the country needed to keep it safe.

He said he was sure Mr Baker would find other things to do, but as he walked off David Cameron was heard adding: "We'll cope without him."