British Prime Minister Theresa May has sacked Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson following a probe into the leak of news that Britain had conditionally allowed China’s Huawei to develop the UK 5G network.

A spokeswoman from the Downing Street office in London said, Ms May has asked Mr Williamson to leave the government, having lost confidence in his ability to serve in the role of Defence Secretary and as a member of her Cabinet.

Britain’s government was rocked by the scandal over who leaked the news that Ms May was to let Huawei develop Britain’s 5G network.

The US is opposed to Huawei’s involvement because of the firm’s obligation under Chinese law to help its home government gather intelligence or provide other security services when required.

Mr Williamson has denied leaking the information.

Responding in a letter to the Prime Minister, he said he was confident that a thorough and formal inquiry would have vindicated his position.