Exams chief to sue over his 'unfair' dismissal

The head of the exams watchdog who was sacked over the A-level grading fiasco is to take legal action against the Government for unfair and wrongful dismissal, he said last night.

Sir William Stubbs claims he was humiliated by the manner of his sacking by the former education secretary Estelle Morris at the height of the row over alleged grade-fixing of A-levels.

Sir William, former chair-man of the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority, said he was also prepared to sue the Government for libel. He is expected to claim up to £250,000 for loss of income and distress.

Sir William says his reputation was ruined by his sacking and he plans to sue unless he receives a public apology.

In a letter to Ms Morris's successor, Charles Clarke, Sir William described his dismissal as a "shocking and saddening public humiliation".

He wrote: "It was shocking because of the timing and manner in which I was dismissed, which has caused great personal anguish to my family and to myself – particularly since I have devoted most of my professional life to education."