Heathrow expansion key to London mayoral contest, says Labour hopeful

Davies Commission expected to back expansion in report this week, with Zac Goldsmith's opposition a potential problem for Tories

Gareth Thomas, the only Labour London mayoral candidate backing expansion at Heathrow, says his stance means he is in the strongest position to challenge the Tory Zac Goldsmith, a passionate opponent of a third runway.

The Davies Airports Commission appointed by the government is expected to report on Wednesday and favour Heathrow expansion, subject to assurances on air quality. The government is likely to respond in the late autumn. The presence of Goldsmith, the most likely Conservative candidate, will complicate the government response.