Conservative peer Michelle Mone has broken her year-long silence with a startling admission that she expects to be "vilified forever" over her involvement in a controversial £200 million PPE deal during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Baroness, who gained fame as the founder of Ultimo bras, finally addressed the escalating scandal surrounding PPE Medpro - a company that secured massive government contracts through the controversial "VIP lane" after she referred it to ministers.
The Damning Admission
In her first public comments since the controversy erupted, Baroness Mone told the BBC: "I can't see what I've done wrong. I will be vilified for it all now, forever, when I've done nothing wrong."
This stark confession comes as the National Crime Agency continues its criminal investigation into the dealings of PPE Medpro, which secured contracts to supply personal protective equipment during the height of the pandemic crisis.
Wealth and Controversy
Documents have revealed that £29 million originating from PPE Medpro's profits was transferred to a trust benefiting Baroness Mone and her children, despite her initially denying any financial connection to the company.
The 51-year-old peer admitted she hadn't been truthful with the media about her involvement, stating: "I made an error in what I said to the press."
Mounting Political Pressure
The scandal has intensified calls for greater transparency in government procurement during emergencies. Opposition parties are demanding answers about how companies were selected through the VIP fast-track system.
Baroness Mone remains on a leave of absence from the House of Lords since the allegations surfaced, though she continues to draw criticism for her handling of the situation and the substantial profits generated from public funds.
