Row at Royal Society over bid to re-elect former president to head ‘boys’ club’

Exclusive: Fellows divided as council reportedly puts forward Sir Paul Nurse for role never held by a woman

A row has broken out among fellows of the UK's Royal Society over the prospect of re-electing its former president Sir Paul Nurse as head of the institution.

The Guardian understands the society's council has put forward Nurse, a geneticist and Nobel laureate, as its preferred candidate for the role, which would begin after Sir Adrian Smith's term finishes next year.