Ex-boss suing Ford for £50m

CAR giant Ford of Europe is being sued for £50m by its ex-boss in a row over his sudden departure from the company.

Briton Martin Leach alleges he was sacked - and then blocked by Ford from working for a competitor.

Leach disputes Ford's claim that he resigned in August, saying it fired him. He said Ford then prevented him from accepting a job as chief executive of Italian carmaker Fiat because it would violate the company's non-competitive clause.

Leach claims the clause in his contract applied only if he quit.

The Fiat job is thought to have been worth about £12m over five years. Leach is understood to be seeking damages that could reach £50m.

Ford said it would not comment on 'pending litigation'.