THE decision on whether Heathrow airport is allowed to expand is set to be delayed again, due to the upcoming Conservative leadership battle.

Transport secretary Patrick McCloughlin has said that the government decision on an airport expansion in the South East, at Heathrow or Gatwick, will not be made until at least October, when a new leader will be in place.

Previously David Cameron had said he would make an announcement on the Heathrow expansion by the end of the summer and a decision was expected to be given on July 7.

John Holland-Kaye, CEO of Heathrow said: “If Britain wants to be confident, outward-looking and at the centre of the world’s economy then expanding Heathrow must be a key building block in the Government’s Brexit plan.

“It will allow British exporters to trade with all the growing markets of the world, strengthening Britain’s position as one of the great trading nations. And at a time of uncertainty a £16bn privately funded infrastructure investment will create jobs and growth across the UK.

“Government can send the strongest possible signal that Britain is open for business and confident in its future by expanding Heathrow.”

Potential new leaders of the party, Theresa May and Boris Johnson have both strongly opposed Heathrows' plans for a new £17.6billion third runway and their views could affect the decision made.

Heathrow's proposal for a third runway was recommended for approval by the airports commission who said the airport should have a third runway up and running by 2030.

Robert Barnstone, campaign co-ordinator for the group 'Stop Heathrow Expansion', said: “If a leading Brexiteer and Heathrow expansion opponent, such as Boris Johnson, becomes the new Prime Minister this autumn, it could mean a very different situation on the question of runway capacity in London and the South-East.

“Local residents now want Heathrow expansion ruled out for good.”