Shepherd's Bush MP Andy Slaughter has resigned his government position in protest against proposals for a third runway at Heathrow Airport.
Last night Mr Slaughter handed in his notice as parliamentary private secretary to Minister of State Rt Hon Lord Malloch-Brown of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.
This came the day before the Commons was set to debate and vote on plans for the controversial expansion.
He also planned to rebel against the Labour party by voting against its proposals.
The politician said: “I'm resigning because the runway is a very big issue for Hammersmith and Shepherd's Bush residents. I have to listen to what they say.”
He has campaigned against the airport's expansion for 20 years since he was a local councillor.
The MP added that he plans to spend the extra time campaigning against the third runway.
Mr Slaughter remains a member of the Labour Party, MP for Ealing, Acton and Shepherd's Bush, and will stand as parliamentary candidate for Hammersmith in the next general election.
