RORY Stewart has launched a battle to return to the Conservative Party fold.

The MP for Penrith & The Border, who was effectively expelled from the parliamentary party after failing to back the Government in a vote over a No Deal Brexit, has confirmed he is seeking reinstatement as a Conservative MP.

However, he may stand as an independent in the expected forthcoming General Election if his reinstatement bid has not succeeded by that time.

This could make for an interesting campaign in the seat, with a possible 'official' Conservative candidate also standing and the Liberal Democrats having recently confirmed that they will also fight the seat with South Lakeland Cllr Matt Severn named as their candidate.