Healey backs Heathrow third runway for growth as Burnham ducks the question

Chancellor Rachel Healey has broken publicly with Prime Minister Andy Burnham over the Heathrow third runway, backing the £33bn project on growth grounds while Burnham wavers. Healey told reporters that airports are a 'big part of jobs and growth' and that the government will study responses to the public consultation. The split puts the cabinet's two most senior figures on opposite sides of a decision that could define Burnham's economic credibility.

The future of the £33bn third runway has been thrown into doubt since Burnham entered Downing Street.

Healey's pro-growth stance aligns her with business lobbies pressing for a rapid green light on expansion.

Burnham's refusal to commit has alarmed investors watching whether his government will prioritise growth or green commitments.