Speculation is rising the decision to remove Justine Greening from the UK Cabinet post of transport secretary is to enable the UK coalition government to change is stance on approving a third runway at London Heathrow airport.
Greening is staunchly opposed to a third runway and was elected to her southwest London constituency of Putney, Roehampton and Southfields, which lies directly beneath the Heathrow flightpath, on this issue.
Given the economic depression, the government is becoming increasingly convinced by the argument that restricting Heathrow expansion is hurting the recovery.
London Mayor Boris Johnson has hit out at the decision to oust Greening as proof the government is now leaning towards Heathrow expansion rather than support his preferred option of building a brand new airport in the Thames Estuary.