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The spouse of Michelle Mone, a peer in the Conservative party, claims that they have been left to deal with the repercussions of government incompetence. This is being used as a diversion tactic as the controversy surrounding the supply of PPE during the Covid-19 pandemic persists.
On social media, Doug Barrowman, a businessman, stated that they were being unfairly targeted and defended his company Medpro’s actions in receiving £200m in contracts during the Covid pandemic.
The statement, which consisted of two pages, was posted on various social media platforms.
The company has come under investigation for earning approximately £65 million in profits from contracts to supply the government with personal protective equipment, including masks and gowns.
The National Crime Agency is currently investigating a payment of £3 million that was transferred to Baroness Mone’s Coutts bank account. This payment was made after £65 million in profits from PPE sales were deposited into accounts associated with M Barrowman.
Mr. Barrowman launched a harsh criticism online against officials, stating that his company followed the same procedure as the 51 other suppliers in the fast-tracked high priority lane. He also found it strange that only their contract was being challenged in court.
In 2021, a request for Freedom of Information uncovered that the wife of a particular individual had personally lobbied Michael Gove, a cabinet minister, and had endorsed Medpro for the PPE contract.
He acknowledged that Michelle played a role in introducing Medpro to the Cabinet Office. Michelle’s 25 years of experience in sourcing and manufacturing mass-produced goods gave her insight into the logistical difficulties of quickly sourcing, supplying, and delivering large quantities of products.
Baroness Mone personally suggested her husband’s company for a contract during the Covid pandemic.
Former Conservative health minister Lord Bethell stated that Baroness Mone did not disclose her financial interest to him, while Mr Gove has claimed that he is cooperating with the National Crime Agency’s investigation.
According to Mr. Barrowman, there have been a large number of emails and he asserted that government officials were aware of his wife’s connection to the business and their marital status.
In a recent BBC interview, Baroness Mone confessed to misleading journalists about her role in the company, but clarified that she was only a “passive beneficiary.”
She explained to the host that the funds in question belonged to her husband and not herself or their children. She clarified that she did not personally receive the money and that it was solely her husband’s. In the event of her husband’s passing, both she and their children would be beneficiaries.
In addition to the NCA investigation, the government filed a lawsuit against PPE Medpro in December 2022 for violating their contract regarding sterile gowns in the 2020 agreement. The company is currently contesting the legal action.
In 2015, she was granted a life peerage and is currently receiving demands to be banned from the House of Lords.
Mr. Barrowman claimed that he had previously made an offer to resolve the disagreement. He stated, “What sets this case apart is that the government is also utilizing the NCA (National Crime Agency) to intimidate us into settling by threatening criminal action.”
“We have made multiple attempts to reach a settlement, but have been advised to raise the amount before they are willing to stop pursuing legal action (as they put it, ‘calling the dogs off’).”
He argued that the government was using them as a scapegoat to divert attention from their mishandling of PPE procurement. He also stated that this aligns with the government’s agenda and tactics of their media spokespersons.
Scottish entrepreneur Baroness Mone, known for establishing the lingerie brand Ultimo, was appointed as a Conservative member of the House of Lords by former Prime Minister David Cameron in 2015.
The Conservative party has announced that she is no longer a member and does not have the right to vote in the House of Lords. There are now demands for her to be banned from the Lords, while Rishi Sunak has stated that the government is giving great attention to the case against PPE Medpro.
The pair refutes any allegations of misconduct.
Source: independent.co.uk
