Senior Tories divided

Senior Tories are currently caught up in a heated debate over whether or not to allow Nigel Farage, the prominent Brexiteer, back into the party. The issue has caused a clash between moderate Tory Robert Buckland and right-wing Mark Francois.

Farage's party history

Nigel Farage was a member of the Tory party until the early 1990s, but left to establish the UK Independence Party (UKIP). However, since his appearance on the reality show "I'm A Celebrity," Farage has hinted at the possibility of re-joining the Tories.

Room for Farage?

Tory MP Mark Francois believes that there is space for Farage within the party, stating, "He's a rock star politician, there's no denying. We've always been a broad church. I think there's some room on the right pew."

Buckland's skepticism

On the other hand, ex-Cabinet Minister Robert Buckland expressed doubt about Farage's place in the party, saying, "Nigel Farage and me in the same party? Can't see that really working. It's my party and I will cry if I want to. He can do his own thing."

Farage's recent controversy

Last week, Farage criticized a review conducted by law firm Travers Smith, which found no evidence of political discrimination by bank Coutts. Farage had accused Coutts of closing his account due to his political views. Travers Smith examined 84 account closures and found no evidence of discrimination.

Farage's response

Farage dismissed the Travers Smith report as a "work of fiction" and claimed that it did not accurately represent the reasons why his account was closed. However, he acknowledged serious deficiencies in NatWest's account closure procedures and called for a review of their practices.

Lessons to be learned

Coutts chief Mohammad Syed acknowledged that there are lessons to be learned from the situation, while NatWest chief Alison Rose resigned in July after discussing Farage's account with a BBC journalist.