Sir Alan peerage hit by sex case

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, it was reported yesterday.

The Apprentice star was offered a peerage when he was named as the government's "enterprise tsar" in last month's reshuffle.

All nominations must be vetted by the commission and it was reported last night one of its members had called for Sir Alan's elevation to be put on hold until the conclusion of the employment tribunal case in the autumn.

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 firm he took over last year.