Boris Johnson under pressure to quit over Heathrow as fellow minister Greg Hands resigns to vote against building a third runway

THERESA May has lost another one of her ministers as Greg Hands resigned so he can vote against building a third runway at Heathrow.

But his decision now shifts the spotlight onto fellow anti-airport expansion campaigner Boris Johnson ahead of Monday’s crucial vote on the issue.

The Foreign Secretary once vowed to “lie down in front of bulldozers” if another runway at the airport next to his Uxbridge constituency was approved.

However he is expected to be abroad when the crunch Commons showdown takes place, so that he can stay in Government without backing the extra runway.

Meanwhile Mr Hands, the international trade minister, stood down so he can defy the Government next week.

He was reportedly offered the chance to miss the vote, but wanted to honour the pledges he made to his constituency at least year’s election to oppose the plans.

Announcing his decision on Twitter this morning, the Tory MP for Chelsea and Fulham in West London, wrote “It has been an honour to serve the Prime Minister (and her predecessor) for the last seven years and I wish the PM and the Government every continuing success.”

In response a Downing Street spokesman said: “Greg Hands has served the government with great ability and distinction over several years, and we thank him for all of his work.

“This government is committed to expanding airport capacity at Heathrow – this is an important decision which will play a crucial role in securing the future of Global Britain.”

And his boss Liam Fox, the International Trade Secretary, said: “Greg Hands’ work as Minister for Trade Policy has been hugely valuable as we deliver the UK's independent trading policy for the first time in more than 40 years.

“I want to thank him on behalf of everyone at DIT for his hard work over the last two years.”

But his decision created another headache for Mrs May less than a week after justice minister Dr Philip Lee resigned over Brexit.

The PM has since announced that Mr Hands will be replaced by her former aide George Hollingberry.

The 54-year-old MP for Meon Valley in Hampshire has served as her "Parliamentary Private Secretary" since Mrs May entered Number 10.

Labour has now challenged Mr Johnson to stand by his principles and join Mr Hands in voting against the measure - even if it costs him his position in the Cabinet.

He was initially thought to be in Luxembourg early next week for a meeting of EU foreign ministers, which could have seen him unavailable for the vote.

But his deputy Alan Duncan said he will now be going instead, which means Mr Johnson will either have to organise another trip abroad, or face a tough choice in Parliament’s voting lobbies.

Shadow transport secretary Andy McDonald said it would be "weak" if the Foreign Secretary chose to be out of the country so as to retain his job.

And fellow Labour MP Ben Bradshaw said in response: "So, one rule for Johnson and another for junior Minister Hands on Heathrow.

"Johnson can miss the vote. Hands must resign. Stinks."

Although Labour are also split on the issue, with shadow chancellor John McDonnell – whose constituency is next to Heathrow - dead against it, while its big union backers are in favour.

Mr Hands is one of a number of Tories in London who do not back the Government's official position on airport expansion.

But to defy the whip would have forced Mrs May to sack him, which is why he is resigning ahead of time.

He confirmed as such, writing on social media: “As the Government will be whipping the vote on Monday, this means I am resigning from the Government."

With a picture of his election leaflet from last year attached, he tweeted: “I wrote to the PM earlier this week on how I will honour these 2017 General Election pledges to the people of Chelsea & Fulham and vote against the Heathrow 3rd runway on Monday.”

The materials said he has been a “longstanding and active campaigner against Heathrow expansion”, and would be “voting against the proposal when it comes before Parliament”.

Another of the rebels, the ex-Cabinet minister Justine Greening, tweeted in support of his stand.

She said: "Great news Greg! Lots of MPs will worry about costs, pollution, safety and regional impact.

"Would be sensible if PM could allow Conservative MPs a free vote on Heathrow expansion."

Other MPs paid tribute to Mr Hands, with Brexit minister Steve Baker saying: “It’s been a huge pleasure to work alongside Greg Hands in his capacity as Trade Minister.

“He’s been a brilliant colleague and he leaves a considerable gap to fill.”

Fellow Tory MP Nigel Evans tweeted: “Sad to hear of Greg Hands’ resignation due to Heathrow expansion.

“The irony is that with Brexit and increased international trade via new treaties we will need greater airport capacity in all our airports.”