Paul Michell represents MEP in winning sexual orientation case

January 2011

Cloisters' barrister, Paul Michell, represented MEP Nikki Sinclaire in her successful claim of sex discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation against her former colleagues in UKIP.

Nikki Sinclaire was expelled by UKIP leader Nigel Farage for refusing to sit with the party's allies Liga Nord in the European Parliament. The lesbian MEP claimed some members of the Italian party were homophobic.

A judgement was made in her favour by Exeter Employment Tribunal after UKIP, which denies the allegations, failed to lodge a defence. The default judgement states "The claim of sexual discrimination is well founded."

Commenting on the tribunal ruling, Miss Sinclaire, who now sits as an independent, said: "I am extremely pleased with the tribunal's decision.

"The treatment I received from UKIP is a sad indictment of how politics in the UK has not kept up in the 21st Century."