Baroness Mone Accuses Chancellor of 'Inflammatory' Language After PPE Contract Ruling
LONDON - Baroness Michelle Mone has accused the chancellor of using "dangerous and inflammatory" language after a firm linked to her and her husband was ordered to pay £122m for breaching a Covid-19 personal protective equipment (PPE) contract.
According to sources, Labour's business spokesperson Rachel Reeves made the remarks during a fringe event at the party conference earlier this week. Baroness Mone responded with a letter to the prime minister, stating that Reeves' language was "incendiary and has directly increased the risks to my personal safety." She claimed to have received "threats and abuse" on social media since Reeves' comments.
The controversy surrounds PPE Medpro, a company set up by a consortium led by Baroness Mone's husband, Doug Barrowman. In 2020, it was awarded a government contract to supply PPE after being recommended by Baroness Mone. However, a judge ruled on Wednesday that the firm's gowns did not comply with government standards.
The ruling has sparked cross-party calls for Baroness Mone to be stripped of her peerage and for an investigation into the awarding of the contract. Labour MP Rachel Reeves said she stood by her comments, stating that "the government's handling of the pandemic was a disaster" and that "those responsible should be held accountable."
The scandal has raised questions about the government's procurement process during the pandemic. An analysis by market research firm, GlobalData, suggests that the UK's PPE market is expected to decline by 10% in the next quarter due to increased competition from international suppliers.
A spokesperson for the Department of Health and Social Care said they were "reviewing" the contract awarding process but declined to comment further. Baroness Mone's office did not respond to requests for comment.
The case highlights the ongoing scrutiny of government contracts awarded during the pandemic, with many firms facing allegations of profiteering from the crisis. The ruling has also sparked debate about the role of peerages in British politics and the accountability of those who hold them.
As the scandal continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how Baroness Mone will respond to the calls for her to step down and whether an investigation into the contract awarding process will be launched.
*Reporting by Bbc.*
