Tories deny split over Heathrow runway

The Conservatives have been forced to deny a change of policy after a front bench MP hinted that the party might drop its opposition to a third runway at Heathrow.

Geoffrey Clifton-Brown, the shadow international development minister, was shown to have told a constituent that he expected the issue to be "revisited" after the election. In a letter to the voter in his Cotswold 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. "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," he said.

In a statement issued in his name by the party, Mr Clifton-Brown appeared more contrite: "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: "Under a Conservative government there will be no third runway at Heathrow."

Other parties 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."