Labour Gears Up to Snatch Government PPE Contract Docs
Labour is set to launch legal action demanding full disclosure of contracts handed to PPE Medpro — a firm tied to Tory peer Baroness Michelle Mone. These deals, worth over £200million and struck in the pandemic’s early chaos, are now under fierce scrutiny amid fears of dodgy dealings and conflicts of interest.
Baroness Mone Denies Profiteering, Takes Leave from Lords
Best known for founding lingerie brand Ultimo, Lady Mone has hit back hard against claims she cashed in after pushing PPE Medpro to ministers.
“With immediate effect, Baroness Mone will be taking a leave of absence from the House of Lords to clear her name of unjust allegations,” her office said.
During this time, she won’t attend House sittings, vote, or claim allowances.
Commons Vote Looms as Labour Hunts for Answers
Labour has tabled a humble address motion, aiming for a binding vote in the Commons to force the PM to hand over PPE Medpro contract papers to the Public Accounts Committee. The vote, expected this Tuesday, is likely to pass with Tory MPs unlikely to oppose.
Investigations Mount Amidst £29m Profit Claims
The Lords’ ethics watchdog is probing Baroness Mone’s alleged role in securing the deals. However, the inquiry is paused pending other criminal probes.
The Guardian has reported Lady Mone and her children netted £29 million from PPE Medpro’s profits. Yet, the peer insists she had no “role or function” in the firm, with her lawyers stating she is “in no way connected” to it.
This scandal adds fuel to public anger over government transparency and accountability for pandemic spending. Labour is pushing hard for answers on how billions poured out in crisis truly landed.
