Big Motoring World Founder Accuses Board of 'Coup' in High Court Battle

High Court Hears 'Coup' Allegations in Big Motoring World Founder's Trial

The High Court trial involving Peter Waddell, the founder of Big Motoring World, has commenced with the businessman alleging he was the victim of a planned 'coup' that ousted him from the company he built. The 59-year-old motor trade tycoon is seeking to regain control of the Kent-based second-hand car empire.

The case, which began on February 17th, sees Waddell claiming unfair dismissal, harassment, and disability discrimination against Bluebell Cars – the ultimate holding company of Big Motoring World. Despite being removed as CEO in 2024 following claims of gross misconduct, Waddell remains the majority shareholder but is currently unable to control the business.

The Alleged 'Coup'

Alan Gourgey KC, representing Mr Waddell, described the sacking as a carefully conceived plan organised by new CEO Lawrence Vaughan, director Thomas Clarke, and the company's investor. Gourgey told the Royal Courts of Justice: "We contend the steps taken, the investigation, suspension and dismissal of Mr Waddell all took place pursuant to a carefully conceived plan hatched by the investor in conjunction with the chairman and Mr Clarke in the proceeding months."

Gourgey alleged the plan was executed "behind his back" and that Clarke and Vaughan "had much to gain financially and professionally if Mr Waddell lost control". He stated that Waddell was given less than a week to respond to 700 pages of documentation "without explanation", a process he described as particularly unfair given Waddell's dyslexia.

Gourgey concluded his opening by describing the situation as a "coup", adding that since Waddell's removal and replacement by Vaughan, "the business had performed disastrously".

The Defence's Position

George Spalton KC, representing Reza Fardad (a partner at Big Motoring World’s investor Freshstream), countered that Waddell was advancing a narrative that ignored his "egregious misconduct". Spalton told the court there were allegations "of the most serious kind" against Waddell, including sexism and bullying, and that his behaviour had been "ever worsening and erratic".

The defence argued that starting an investigation into Waddell’s misconduct was "clearly the right thing to do" and that performance at the company was poor under Waddell's leadership. Spalton disputed claims that the business had declined since the leadership change, stating: "It admittedly did struggle at the end of 2024 but has picked up materially."

Waddell's Defence and Background

The original allegations that led to Waddell's removal included claims of bullying, intimidating employees, and using racist language. Waddell has defended himself by stating that he only appears to shout at employees because he is deaf, and that his use of nicknames stems from his dyslexia, which helps him remember people.

The court heard that Waddell was taken into care at a children's home in Fairlie, North Ayrshire as a child and lived on the streets of Glasgow as a teenager before moving south. From his base in Teynham, Kent, he built Big Motoring World into a business selling 60,000 cars annually with an estimated value of around £500m.

This legal battle follows a previous High Court decision in June 2024 that denied Waddell a temporary injunction which would have restored his voting rights at the group. The trial is expected to last up to seven weeks and will determine whether Waddell can reclaim control of the business he founded.