Tories deny Heathrow third runway U-turn

Geoffrey Clifton-Brown, the shadow international development minister, was revealed to have told a constituent that he expected the issue to be "revisited" after the election.

In a letter to the voter in his Cotswolds constituency, he added that he was ``fully aware of the potential damage this [the decision not to build the runway] might do to Britain's international air travel.''

Within hours of the remarks being made public, Mr Clifton-Brown was forced to clarify his comments. But he appeared to hint that his opposition to the policy continued, saying: "The party line is that there will be no third runway at Heathrow. What I believe is irrelevant. I am a member of David Cameron's front bench and that is his policy.''

In a statement issued in his name by the party, Mr Clifton-Brown appeared more contrite, saying: "Under a Conservative Government there will be no third runway at Heathrow, and I did not intend to suggest otherwise."

Theresa Villiers, the shadow transport secretary, said: ``Our position is clear and will not change. Under a Conservative government there will be no third runway at Heathrow.''

The Opposition were quick to exploit the apparent division in Mr Cameron's top team.

Lord Adonis, the Transport Secretary, said: ``The Tories are keeping their true intentions on Heathrow secret until after the general election. Their transport policy is in disarray.''

Susan Kramer, the MP leading the Liberal Democrat campaign against Heathrow expansion, added: ``It would be a disgrace if the Conservatives went back on their pledge to scrap proposals for a third runway at Heathrow.

"This would be a betrayal of every statement made to residents living under the flight path and those who care about the environment and climate change.''

Mr Clifton-Brown attracted the irritation of the party leadership earlier in the year when The Daily Telegraph disclosed that he had "flipped" his second home designation from London to his Gloucestershire home, before buying a £2,750,000 house.