A FORMER Conservative Party high-flyer, facing claims of sexual discrimination, allegedly told a colleague that “all women should be sterilised”, an employment tribunal heard.
Ross Coates, 55, who stood against Jack Straw in the 1992 general election, was allegedly “extremely displeased” when he found out a member of his staff had fallen pregnant.
The tribunal, in Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk, heard claims that Mr Coates told another employee he was “unhappy with his staff getting pregnant”.
Sarah Nixon, 34, of Finningham, Suffolk, is claiming sexual discrimination, sexual harassment, constructive dismissal and unpaid wages against Mr Coates.
The tribunal heard Ms Nixon had been employed as a call centre manager by Mr Coates at his Ipswich-based firm of solicitors. But she left early last year after falling pregnant.
