This week, two individuals affiliated with Westminster have claimed victimhood due to inflammatory language. Reform UK leader Nigel Farage expressed feeling threatened by comments made by the Prime Minister, which he deemed inappropriate. Similarly, Baroness Michelle Mone, who faces legal challenges related to her involvement in PPE contracts during the pandemic, has also claimed to be affected by political rhetoric.
Despite their shared experiences, Mone and Farage appear unlikely allies, particularly considering Farage’s lack of presence among peers in the House of Lords. In her letter to Keir Starmer, Mone described remarks made by Rachel Reeves regarding a possible “vendetta” against her peerage as a security concern. She began her letter by identifying herself primarily as a wife and mother, and secondly as a baroness.
Mone previously attempted to justify her position with an analogy involving a Range Rover, arguing that unless evidence is provided to show how a product is manufactured, its value can be questioned. This analogy aimed to defend her actions amid scrutiny over her and her husband’s involvement in a company ordered to repay £122 million for defective surgical gowns.
The couple has been under investigation by the National Crime Agency, with their assets reportedly frozen amid allegations of financial misconduct, which Mone and her husband deny. Notably, the Mone-Barrowman family has previously highlighted their wealth and lifestyle, including lavish properties and vehicles.
The influence of the Conservative government during the pandemic, which they framed in terms of conflict, raises questions about the prioritization of financial interests over public health. The UK’s handling of Covid contracts, particularly through the so-called VIP lane, has faced significant criticism for perceived mismanagement and cronyism. As investigations continue, the extent of accountability for those profiting during the pandemic remains unclear.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2025/oct/03/bra-baroness-michelle-mone-business-not-easy-covid