A judge has today ruled that Britney Spears's father Jamie Spears should be suspended as her conservator with immediate effect.

The controversial arrangement has seen Jamie in control of most of his daughter's affairs - including her finances, work obligations and medical treatment - since 2008, when she suffered an infamous breakdown.

A growing fan movement known as #FreeBritney has grown in prominence in recent years, with supporters alleging that the 39-year-old was effectively being kept as a prisoner against her will.

In June Britney spoke out for the first time in bombshell testimony, alleging that she had been unnecessarily detained in a mental health facility, had been subject to surveillance of her private communications and had been put on birth control against her will.

In the wake of the comments Jamie agreed to step down at some point in the future, and at a hearing in Los Angeles today, Judge Brenda Penny suspended him from the arrangement with immediate effect and handed the role to John Zabel, an accountant chosen by Britney.

Britney's team have also requested a hearing into whether the conservatorship should be ended completely be held in the next 30 to 45 days.

Jamie has consistently denied abuse of Britney, saying in court filings that "all he wants is what is best for his daughter".