Zac Goldsmith has resigned as the Conservative MP for Richmond Park in protest at the UK Government's decision to support building a new runway at Heathrow Airport.

The former MP will now fight a by-election in Richmond Park as an independent in protest.

Goldsmith, who was the Conservative candidate in this year's London mayoral election, has consistently argued against the plans.

Earlier this month, he told BBC Radio Four: "My position is the same as it was nine years ago. I promised my constituents before I was ever elected in 2010 that I would trigger a by-election were the government to give a green light to Heathrow expansion. My position has never changed.

"There are huge question marks about whether a third runway could even be delivered, irrespective of the government's decision in the next week, two weeks, three weeks or so."

He added: "The legal risks are immense. You've got the councils under the flight path lining up with big chequebooks waiting to challenge these proposals.

"There are huge planning risks, there are financial risks. Heathrow is massively over-leveraged already.

"There is no prospect of their being able to raise the finance necessary to deliver this project without turning to the taxpayer.

"Whatever the government decides, this project is not going to happen. In five years' time, 10 years' time, we'll still be arguing about it."

The UK Government say a new runway at Heathrow will be a "good deal" for businesses and passengers across the country.