Three Conservative MPs have resigned, saying the party's "failure" to stand up to hardline Brexiteers has forced them to take the decision.
Sarah Wollaston, Heidi Allen and Anna Soubry have joined the new Independent Group.
In a joint letter to Prime Minister Theresa May, the MPs said: "We no longer feel we can remain in the party of a Government whose policies and priorities are so firmly in the grip of the ERG and DUP."
It comes hours after Labour MP Joan Ryan became the eighth MP from the party to resign and join the Independent Group.
The move takes the number of Independent Group MPs to 11.
US and Iran signal a peace deal is close
Qatar rejects media report on energy production decisions
Trump says Iran war deal close as Strait of Hormuz tensions linger
Victims' families mark Air India crash anniversary with prayers and tributes
Ebola outbreak spreads to crowded displacement camp in Congo
Fire breaks out at New Zealand's Wellington airport, disrupting flights
Ukraine and Russia trade overnight drone strikes, officials say
UN says Taliban arrest 30 women for violating hijab rules in Afghanistan
