Theresa May has sacked Gavin Williamson as defence secretary, over leak of information from a National Security Council meeting about Huawei's involvement in the UK's 5G network.
Downing Street said the Prime Minister had "lost confidence" in the former chief whip, who was previously a close ally of Mrs May's.
A Downing Street spokesman said: "The Prime Minister has this evening asked Gavin 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."
Analysis: Huawei leak was stupid, irresponsible and has benefited no one
In a scathing letter to Mr Williamson, Prime Minister Theresa May wrote: "Thank you for your time this evening. We discussed the investigation into the unauthorised disclosure of information from the National Security Council meeting on 23 April.
"This is an extremely serious matter, and a deeply disappointing one. It is vital for the operation of good government and for the UK's national interest in some of the most sensitive and important areas that the members of the NSC - from our Armed Forces, our Security and Intelligence Agencies, and the most senior level of Government - are able to have frank and detailed discussions in full confidence that the advice and analysis provided is not discussed or divulged beyond that trusted environment.
Read in full: Theresa May's letter sacking Gavin Williamson
"That is why I commissioned the Cabinet Secretary to establish an investigation into the unprecedented leak from the NSC meeting last week, and why I expected everyone connected to it - Ministers and officials alike - to comply with it fully. You undertook to do so.
"I am therefore concerned by the manner in which you have engaged with this investigation. It has been conducted fairly, with the full co-operation of other NSC attendees.
"They have all answered questions, engaged properly, provided as much information as possible to assist with the investigation, and encouraged their staff to do the same. Your conduct has not been of the same standard as others.
Read more: Penny Mordaunt appointed defence secretary after Huawei leak scandal
"In our meeting this evening, I put to you the latest information from the investigation, which provides compelling evidence suggesting your responsibility for the unauthorised disclosure.
"No other, credible version of events to explain this leak has been identified."
However Mr Williamson "strenuously denies" being responsible for the leak.
A letter to Mrs May added: "I am confident that a thorough and formal inquiry would have vindicated my position."
— Gavin Williamson MP (@GavinWilliamson) May 1, 2019
The inquiry followed reports that ministers had raised concerns over a plan to allow Huawei limited access to help build the UK's new 5G network.
The inquiry into the National Security Council leak began after a newspaper report on warnings within cabinet about possible risks to national security over a deal with Huawei.
Mr Williamson has been defence secretary - his first cabinet role - since 2017 in the wake of Sir Michael Fallon's sudden resignation.
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