Richmond Park and North Kingston MP Zac Goldsmith is to resign over the Government’s decision to allow a third runway at Heathrow Airport.
Mr Goldsmith, who ran for London mayor earlier this year but lost to Sadiq Khan, has long campaigned against the expansion at Heathrow.
The Conservative MP has previously said he would resign in protest if his party approved the new runway and he tweeted shortly after the announcement his plans to speak to constituents this afternoon and make a statement tonight.
However, it has been widely reported he has already tendered his resignation to the Richmond Park Conservative Association.
Following the Government’s catastrophic Heathrow announcement, I will be meeting my constituents later today before making a statement.
— Zac Goldsmith (@ZacGoldsmith) October 25, 2016
The decision to build a third runway was chosen at a meeting of the airport sub-committee this morning chaired by Prime Minister Theresa May.
Transport Secretary Chris Grayling later told the House of Commons the decision was in the best interest of the country and would bolster its economy.
Other proposals to expand an existing runway at Heathrow or build a second runway at Gatwick were rejected and a public consultation on the impact of the third runway will now be held ahead of a final MP vote next winter.
Putney MP and education secretary Justine Greening also opposed expansion at Heathrow and is expected to give her reaction to constituents later.
