Baroness Michelle Mone and her husband, Scottish businessman Doug Barrowman, have been at the centre of one of the UK’s most high-profile COVID-19 contract scandals. During the pandemic, when PPE (personal protective equipment) was urgently needed, the UK government set aside £12 billion for rapid procurement through the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC).
One of the beneficiaries was PPE Medpro, which secured two government contracts: an £80m deal for face masks and a £120m deal for gowns. While the masks were deemed fit for use, the gowns were found to be unsuitable for NHS standards, leading to breach of contract proceedings.
The National Crime Agency opened an investigation, and Medpro has now been ordered to repay more than £121 million to the Government, plus an additional £8.6m in storage and transport costs. A High Court judge has ruled that the money must be paid back by October 15, 2025.
Baroness Mone’s Involvement
Initially, Baroness Mone denied having any links to Medpro and even threatened legal action against those suggesting otherwise. However, she and Barrowman have since admitted their involvement and disclosed that they made around 30% profit from the contracts. Reports suggest Barrowman personally earned £60 million, while Mone and her three children received £29 million.
Who is Michelle Mone?
Born in Glasgow in October 1971, Michelle Mone left school at 15 to pursue modelling before entering the business world. She co-founded MJM International and lingerie brand Ultimo in 1996 with her then-husband, Michael Mone. Ultimo became a household name before eventually being sold off, with Mone stepping down from the company in 2015.
In 2010, she was awarded an OBE for her contribution to business and later joined the House of Lords as a Conservative peer in 2015. However, she is currently on leave from the Lords due to the ongoing PPE investigation.
Today, Baroness Mone is married to Doug Barrowman, a wealthy financier and entrepreneur.
Baroness Michelle Mone Net Worth
According to Celebrity Net Worth, Michelle Mone’s fortune is estimated at £120 million. This figure includes her lingerie business success, investments, and the controversial profits linked to the PPE Medpro contracts. Despite the ongoing legal battles, she remains one of Scotland’s most high-profile entrepreneurs-turned-politicians.
Legacy Under Scrutiny
Once celebrated as a self-made businesswoman and political insider, Mone’s reputation has been overshadowed by the Medpro scandal. While she remains a prominent figure in both business and politics, her financial dealings during the pandemic will likely define her public legacy for years to come.