The dramatic fall from grace of Conservative peer Michelle Mone, once celebrated as the 'Baroness Bra' for her Ultimo lingerie empire, has been laid bare in a devastating investigation into one of the most controversial PPE procurement scandals of the pandemic era.
The £203 Million Government Deal
At the heart of the scandal lies PPE Medpro, a company that secured staggering government contracts worth over £200 million just weeks after its formation in May 2020. The company, now under criminal investigation by the National Crime Agency, was awarded contracts for face masks and surgical gowns during the height of the COVID-19 emergency procurement programme.
Secret Offshore Millions Revealed
Leaked documents expose how millions of pounds from the deals were funneled through a complex network of offshore trusts and accounts. Michelle Mone's husband, financier Doug Barrowman, received at least £65 million from the profits, with documents showing £29 million was transferred to an offshore trust benefiting Mone and her three adult children.
Lies and Denials Unravel
For nearly two years, Baroness Mone repeatedly denied any involvement with PPE Medpro, telling journalists she had "no role" in the company. However, evidence now reveals she was intimately involved from the outset, participating in video calls with government officials and referring to the venture as "my PPE team."
The Lavish Lifestyle
The investigation tracks how the couple allegedly enjoyed their newfound wealth, including:
- A £75 million townhouse in London's exclusive Belgravia district
- A £7.5 million yacht moored in the Bahamas
- Multiple luxury vehicles and extravagant holidays
- Substantial investments in property and businesses
Criminal Investigation Intensifies
The National Crime Agency has conducted multiple raids, seizing assets including a £750,000 Range Rover and freezing bank accounts containing £75,000. Both Mone and Barrowman remain under suspicion of conspiracy to defraud, fraud by false representation, and bribery.
Political Fallout and Public Outrage
The scandal has triggered widespread condemnation, with Labour MP Liam Byrne declaring: "This is one of the most shocking scandals of the pandemic. The idea that a member of the House of Lords was secretly profiting from contracts she was lobbying for is a grave breach of the code of conduct."
As the investigation continues, the story of Baroness Mone serves as a stark reminder of the ethical challenges that emerged during the government's frantic pandemic response, raising serious questions about transparency and accountability in public procurement.
