Britain’s Conservative Party, which governed the country from 2010 until it suffered its worst-ever electoral defeat two years ago, was plunged into fresh turmoil Thursday after its leader sacked the man widely seen as her greatest rival for apparently plotting to defect from the party.

Former British finance minister Nadhim Zahawi defected to Nigel Farage's right-wing Reform UK party from the Conservative Party on Monday, saying the

Announcement of Robert Jenrick's move announced hours after his sacking by Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch for 'plotting' to defect to Reform in a 'damaging' way

A former Conservative chancellor has defected to Reform UK, calling for Nigel Farage to become prime minister. Nadhim Zahawi made the announcement in central London on Monday, standing alongside the Reform leader. Mr Zahawi said: "Britain was drinking at the last chance saloon" and "really does need Nigel Farage as prime minister."

The views of the former Tory vaccines minister clash with those of high-profile members and the party faithful

Nadhim Zahawi declares the Conservative Party a ‘defunct brand’ as he joins a growing exodus of Tories joining Nigel Farage’s party.

Shadow justice secretary Robert Jenrick has been sacked by Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch. In a social media post, she said: "I have sacked Robert Jenrick from the shadow cabinet, removed the whip and suspended his party membership with immediate effect.

Two sides trade blows over defection while Conservative polling suggests economy is key weakness for Reform