The employment tribunal of a chief council officer who claims she is the victim of sex discrimination was adjourned today in a bid to reach a settlement.

Sheryl Grady, chief executive of Worthing Borough Council, is taking legal action against the authority and its former Liberal Democrat leader Sheila Player, who lost her seat at last week's local election.

Both the council and Miss Player, who had hoped to become the next mayor of Worthing before her shock defeat at the polls, have denied discriminating against Miss Grady on the grounds of her sex.

Miss Grady, 47, who earns £80,000 a year, has been off work on sick leave suffering from stress since December.

She was due to give her evidence today but the hearing was adjourned after the Brighton tribunal heard the council and Miss Grady were attempting to negotiate a settlement, which would include financial compensation.

The tribunal was told there were concerns any settlement needed to be ratified by the full council before it could be agreed. If a settlement is not reached when the council meets for a full meeting on June 25, the tribunal, which is now to last eight days, will be heard on September 8.

Miss Grady is the subject of a secret council investigation into her conduct following alleged complaints about her style of management.