It’s official – Zac Goldsmith has stepped down as an MP over Heathrow
Zac Goldsmith Richmond Park MP and former Conservative London mayor candidate has formally stepped down as an MP over a government decision on runways.
The Department for Transport finally came out in favour of a new runway at Heathrow earlier today, and Goldsmith's constituency party had already confirmed that the MP "intended" to resign.
He has long been an opponent of expanding the West London site and said repeatedly that he would quit if it granted a new runway.
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A statement from the Treasury confirmed his decision earlier today – MPs cannot resign directly and must be granted a new role by the chancellor in order to quit the House of Commons.
Goldsmith has said he will fight to retain the seat as an independent, and the Conservatives have confirmed they will not field a candidate against him, meaning Theresa May's slim majority is set to slip further.
The Lib Dems have already confirmed their intention to stand in the constituency, which saw a strong Remain vote in the European referendum.