Coutts boss LEAVES after Nigel Farage bank account row

Coutts has come under heavy criticism over his treatment of the former UKIP leader, with an internal memo showing that bank officials had expressed concerns about his political views.

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Nigel Farage clashes with Nick Robinson on BBC Radio 4

The boss of posh private bank Coutts has quit over Nigel Farage feud, NatWest has announced.

Coutts has come under heavy criticism over his treatment of the former UKIP leader, with an internal memo showing bank officials raised concerns about his political views .

Bank chief executive Peter Flavel has announced his resignation, becoming the second major banking boss to leave after Mr Farage expressed his anger. It comes after Dame Alison Rose, the head of NatWest - which owns Coutts - stepped down dramatically in the early hours of Wednesday.

Mr. Farage very publicly lashed out at Coutts after documents showed officials feared he was seen as 'xenophobic and complacent with racists' and a 'dishonest crook'. As news of Mr Flavel's departure broke, the Brexit agitator said it was 'only a matter of time' before Mr Flavel was forced to fall on his sword.

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Peter Flavel has stepped down as head of private bank Coutts (

Picture:

Alamy Photo)

New NatWest chief Paul Thwaite said: "I have agreed with Peter Flavel that he will step down as CEO of Coutts and CEO of our wealth management business by mutual consent with immediate effect.

“While I am personally sorry to lose Peter as a colleague, I believe it is the right decision for Coutts and the whole group. I have asked Mohammad Kamal Syed to take on the role of Acting CEO of Coutts and our wealth businesses."

Mr. Farage tweeted: "It was only a matter of time before Peter Flavel, CEO of Coutts, stepped down. Ultimate responsibility for the case unbanking me for my political views rests with him.

"I even wrote twice to Mr. Flavel before going public and I did not receive an acknowledgment of receipt."