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Sugar peerage faces delay in sex discrimination case
Thursday, 2 July 2009
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Sir Alan Sugar's peerage may be delayed after a member of the House of Lords Appointments Commission raised concerns over a sex discrimination case in which he has been named.
The Apprentice star was offered a peerage when he was named as the Government's “enterprise tzar” in last month's reshuffle.
But all nominations must be vetted by the commission, to ensure “the highest standards of propriety” in the Upper House.
Channel 4 News reported yesterday that a member of the commission had called for Sir Alan's elevation to be put on hold until the conclusion of the employment tribunal case, due in autumn.
Speaking anonymously, the commissioner told C4N: “There have been cases in the past where we have actually delayed the appointment until we are satisfied.”
Sir Alan is facing a compensation claim for sex discrimination and bullying from Hanna Sebright, who alleges she was forced out as managing director of a company he took over last year.
Sir Alan's spokesman said he would “vigorously defend” himself at the tribunal.
