In a dramatic escalation of political hostilities, Conservative peer Michelle Mone has launched a scathing attack on Chancellor Rachel Reeves, accusing her of making "inflammatory" comments regarding an ongoing investigation into PPE Medpro's £200 million government contracts.
Political Tensions Boil Over
The House of Lords member didn't hold back in her criticism of the Labour Chancellor, claiming Reeves' remarks could prejudice the National Crime Agency's investigation into the PPE deals secured during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.
"For a senior government minister to make such inflammatory comments about an ongoing investigation is completely inappropriate," Mone stated, adding that Reeves' words demonstrated a "worrying disregard for due process."
The PPE Contract Controversy
The dispute centres around contracts awarded to PPE Medpro in 2020, when the government was scrambling to secure personal protective equipment amid global shortages. The company, linked to Mone and her husband, received approximately £200 million for supplying gowns and face masks.
However, the Department of Health later raised concerns about the quality of some items, though the company maintains all equipment met required standards. The National Crime Agency has been investigating the circumstances surrounding the contracts for nearly three years.
Chancellor's Comments Spark Fury
Mone's outburst came after Reeves discussed the case publicly, suggesting there were serious questions to answer about the procurement process. The Chancellor's remarks appear to have touched a nerve with the Tory peer, who has consistently denied any wrongdoing.
"This isn't just about me - it's about the principle that investigations should be allowed to run their course without political interference," Mone argued. She warned that such comments from senior ministers could undermine public confidence in legal processes.
Broader Implications
The confrontation highlights the ongoing political fallout from the government's pandemic procurement, which saw billions spent through VIP lanes and emergency procedures. With multiple investigations still ongoing, the PPE Medpro case remains one of the most high-profile examples.
Political observers note that the exchange signals increasingly tense relations between the Conservative opposition and Labour government, with both sides willing to engage in direct confrontation over controversial pandemic-era decisions.
The Department of Health declined to comment on the ongoing investigation, while the Treasury had not responded to requests for comment at the time of publication.
