The Latest Breaking News from Nadhim Zahawi

IN DEPTH : Nigel Farage’s warning that MPs have until May – the date of the English local elections – has prompted fears of more departures, write Kate Devlin and David Maddox

A core function of political parties is to nurture talent and, in some cases, provide a credible path to power for ambitious politicians. In this fraught climate, Reform UK increasingly appears to be an alternative route for those who see no such path via the Conservative party.

Robert Jenrick has been sacked by Tory leader Kemi Badenoch due to ‘irrefutable evidence that he was plotting in secret to defect’ from the party

The Reform defection follows years of fierce criticism of Nigel Farage by the former Chancellor

The current crop of politicians are constantly telling us they don’t have to be doing this. Aren’t we lucky, says Guardian columnist Marina Hyde

In today’s newsletter: A researcher with a focus on the region explains what’s behind deadly nationwide demonstrations and what a hardening of public opinion against the state might bring

The petition was debated in parliament after a petition attracted more than one million signatures

Nadhim Zahawi’s ministerial experience is badly needed by Nigel Farage but it comes with his former party’s tainted brand

Stinging reponse from Conservatives after former chancellor announced his defection to Reform UK on Monday