Breastfeeding mayor sues council

Dr Lane alleged she was treated less favourably due to her sex

A mayor has taken her council to court after she was banned from using the civic car while breastfeeding her son.

Dr Pauleen Lane, a councillor with Trafford Council had to drive behind in her own car when she took her baby on official engagements, Manchester County Court was told.

She is claiming sex discrimination against Trafford Council for being treated unfavourably due to her sex.

The court heard staff disapproved of her breastfeeding on mayoral duties.

No difficulties

Dr Lane told the court she would not have received such treatment if she had been a male mayor and she alleged her less favourable treatment was on the grounds of her sex.

She was entitled to six months' maternity leave as a civil engineering lecturer at the University of Manchester, which would enable her to breastfeed her son.

Her other posts include deputy chairman of English Partnerships, and work on bodies including the Audit Commission, North West Development Agency, and the Institution of Civil Engineers.

Dr Lane said while working with other bodies she had no difficulties breastfeeding her baby son.

The case is expected to conclude next week.