Nadine Dorries' latest book 'The Plot' has alleged that the Conservative Party is controlled by a shadowy faction similar to something out of a James Bond novel.

She claims they have been pulling strings, pushing agendas and toppling leaders for 20 years.

The former culture secretary - a resolute defender of Boris Johnson - names some members of the alleged group. Others are disguised by nicknames such as Thumper, a Bambi, Miss Moneypenny and most sinister of all - Dr No.

The original Dr No - the first onscreen Bond villain - was depicted as a member of Spectre, a ruthless scientist who boiled to death when he fell into a reactor coolant.

Ms Dorries' book describes an equally sinister individual.

She says the man is the reason behind Prime Ministers Boris Johnson and Liz Truss's downfall. 

According to the book, he is paid by the Conservative Party, has a pass to Downing Street and "Rishi Sunak doesn't move without first seeking his advice".

He is described as "a man with a secretive past" who "loves violence" and who once chopped up a pet rabbit after breaking up with a girlfriend.

There is also a claim that he tried to set fire to a house when people were sleeping inside.

Since the book's publication, everyone is guessing the identity of Dr No.

All manner of names are being bandied about - some more likely than others. But so far Ms Dorries - who resigned as an MP in August - has kept everyone guessing.

"She makes me sound like Severus Snape"

Speaking to BBC Breakfast, she said he is part of a "small group of men" who have "been involved with the party since the late 1990s - at every stage, whether Theresa May, David Cameron, Iain Duncan Smith".

"Liz Truss is the only person who didn't have any of them close to her because she knew about them."

Dorries says the group has its origins in the Federation of Conservative Students, an organisation closed down in 1986 by then-party chairman Norman Tebbit because of its radical views and occasionally raucous behaviour.

Although Dr No is not named in the book others are.

Ms Dorries says Levelling Up Secretary Michael Gove, ex-No 10 senior adviser Dominic Cummings and Conservative Party adviser Dougie Smith are all part of the club. Mr Smith is also the husband of Munira Mirza, a close ally of Boris Johnson, until she quit.

Mr Johnson was forced to resign, after mass resignations from his own ministers. It followed scandals over Covid rule-breaking and the appointment of Chris Pincher as deputy chief whip.

Asked about the book on the Nick Robinson Political Thinking podcast, Mr Gove said: "It is very flattering - she makes me sound like Severus Snape."

He added that he hadn't read the book but that Ms Dorries was "a gifted writer".