26 July 2023 , 09:09
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Ex-UKIP leader Nigel Farage has ruled out another tilt at frontline politics before the next general election amid a high-profile row with NatWest over his bank closure.
His comments came during a clash with the BBC Radio 4 Today presenter Nick Robinson who teased him about his failure - seven times - to become an MP.
But Mr Farage replied: "I'm sick to death of your condescending tone."
He added: "What you should say is you're the only person in British history whose won two national elections leading two different parties. Let's try that".
Asked whether he was coming back given his "previous success", he replied: "No.
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"I'm now a champion and a crusader for men and women who've been closed down by the banks, and I want cultural changes within the banks, and I want legal changes and I do not want cash driven out of the system."
Mr Farage told BBC presenter: 'I'm sick to death of your condescending tone' (AP)Pressed a second time on a possible bid to get back into politics before the general election - expected in 2024 - he said: "I'm not about to do that, no."
The heated exchange followed the dramatic news of the resignation of the Natwest boss Dame Alison Rose in the early hours of Wednesday.
On Tuesday she admitted making a "serious error of judgement" after discussing Mr Farage's relationship with private bank Coutts, owned by NatWest Group, with a BBC journalist.
Initially Board members had decided the Chief Executive retained their "full confidence" but the situation rapidly changed amid pressure from No10 and Chancellor, Jeremy Hunt.
In a statement NatWest Group chairman Sir Howard Davies later said: "The Board and Alison Rose have agreed, by mutual consent, that she will step down as CEO of the NatWest Group. It is a sad moment.
"She has dedicated all her working life so far to NatWest and will leave many colleagues who respect and admire her."
A No 10 source said the Prime Minister Rishi Sunak "was concerned about the unfolding situation" and said she "has done the right thing in resigning".
They added: "Everyone would expect people in public life - whether that's in a business leadership role or otherwise - to act responsibly and with integrity."
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