Nadine Dorries has defected to Reform UK in another coup for Nigel Farage.

The former Cabinet minister declared that the Conservative Party is "dead" as she announced her move on the eve of Reform's conference.

She told the Daily Mail: "The Tory Party is dead. Its members now need to think the unthinkable and look to the future."

Reform leader Mr Farage said he was "absolutely delighted" to welcome Ms Dorries to his insurgent party.

He added: "She is a hugely successful politician, author and columnist and will be a great boost to our campaign to win the next general election."

She will deliver the opening speech at Reform's conference in Birmingham tomorrow.

Ms Dorries, a close ally of former prime minister Boris Johnson, was a Tory MP for 18 years and served as culture secretary.

The ex-Cabinet minister has switched to Reform after three decades as a party member.

She held secret talks with Mr Farage at the exclusive 5 Hertford Street private members' club in Mayfair.

But it is understood that the Clacton MP did not guarantee her a job in a future Reform administration.

Ms Dorries, who represented Mid Bedfordshire, has not ruled out a return to the Commons after stepping down in 2023.