Senior figures in ruling AK Party plan breakaway group, sources

Two senior figures in Turkish President's Tayyip Erdogan's ruling party are planning to launch a rival political group this year, people familiar with the matter said, a move that could further erode support for the country's long-time leader on the heels of a stinging electoral defeat in Istanbul.

Behind the breakaway plans are former deputy prime minister Ali Babacan and former president Abdullah Gul, both founding members of Erdogan's AK Party (AKP), according to two political advisers.

Sunday's re-run mayoral election delivered the second loss in recent months for the AK Party (AKP) in Turkey's largest city, a bitter setback for the president who has ruled for 16 years. It has also emboldened critics within his own party who have for years hinted at plans to form a rival party because of dissatisfaction over Erdogan's increasing powers over the party and...