Ministers want Justine Greening to leave Transport Secretary job in bid to boost third Heathrow runway plans

 
23 August 2012
WEST END FINAL

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Some ministers and Tory MPs are pressing for Justine Greening to be replaced as Transport Secretary to pave the way for a third runway at Heathrow.

They are arguing behind the scenes that the Conservatives need to send an early signal to business that they will expand the country’s premier airport after the 2015 election.

Putney MP Ms Greening has led the campaign against a third runway and is keen to push alternative ways of expanding the South-East’s air capacity.

There would be an outcry from green campaigners and west London residents if she were moved to another department but one MP said: “If Cameron is serious about changing the party’s position on Heathrow he will have to move Justine to another department sooner rather than later.”

A reshuffle is expected when MPs return from the summer recess in September. The Coalition is committed to ruling out a third runway in this parliament but many Tories think that pledge was a mistake.

Tory chairman Sayeeda Warsi is tipped to move to International Development Secretary. Grant Shapps, the housing minister, is among the favourites to become party chairman, although some MPs dream of popular big beasts William Hague or Michael Gove being drafted in.

Kenneth Clarke, the Justice Secretary, is under fire from Tory Right-wingers after rows over so-called soft sentencing but Mr Cameron cannot sack him without promoting another One Nation Tory in his place — which could mean Damian Green, the immigration minister, becoming Culture Secretary.

Rising stars Chris Grayling and Nick Herbert are tipped for promotion to the Cabinet.

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