Baroness Mone's Involvement in PPE Scandal Sparks Controversy
BRA tycoon Baroness Mone is facing calls to be expelled from the House of Lords while Cabinet Minister Michael Gove is being urged to answer questions over his involvement in the scandal.
Apologies and Denials from Baroness Mone and Her Husband
The Conservative peer admitted yesterday she stands to benefit from millions of pounds of profit from personal protective equipment (PPE) sold to the Government during the pandemic by a company led by her husband, Doug Barrowman. In an interview with the BBC, the couple apologised for denying their role in the deal but insisted they have "no case to answer".
Investigations and Breach of Contract Proceedings
The company, PPE Medpro, is currently being investigated by the National Crime Agency (NCA), while the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) has since issued breach of contract proceedings over a 2020 deal on the supply of gowns.
Calls for Baroness Mone's Expulsion from the House of Lords
Lady Mone, who was appointed to the Lords by David Cameron in 2015, is taking a leave of absence from the House of Lords but she is now facing calls to be booted out of the Upper Chamber. Peers can be expelled or suspended from the House of Lords under specific conditions.
Gove's Involvement in the Scandal
Meanwhile, Cabinet Minister Michael Gove also finds himself embroiled in the scandal, with Labour calling on him to answer questions after being name-checked by Lady Mone. In her interview, the lingerie tycoon said she contacted Mr Gove at the start of the pandemic following a "call to arms for all lords, baronesses, MPs, senior civil servants, to help, because they needed massive quantities of PPE".
Labour Demands Transparency
In a letter addressed to the Levelling Up Secretary, Shadow Cabinet Office minister Nick Thomas-Symonds said that Mr Gove should answer questions about his involvement and the role of the Government. He also called for maximum transparency and an urgent statement to Parliament before the Christmas recess.
Baroness Mone and the Controversial Government Contracts
PPE Medpro was awarded government contracts worth more than £200 million after being recommended by Baroness Mone. She admitted to being a beneficiary of her husband's financial trusts, which hold around £60 million of profit from the deal.
Admission and Apologies from Baroness Mone
The Tory peer admitted that she and her husband misled the press about their involvement in the deal. She clarified that if her husband were to pass away, she would be a beneficiary, alongside their children. She expressed regret for the error in denying her involvement.
Calls for Gove to Appear Before MPs
Levelling Up Secretary Michael Gove is facing calls to appear before MPs to answer questions about his connection to PPE firm Medpro.
