£122 Million Ruling: Baroness Mone’s Company in Hot Water Over PPE Scandal

A company tied to Baroness Mone and her spouse, Doug Barrowman, has been ordered to pay £122 million after breaching a government contract for PPE during the Covid pandemic. The High Court found that PPE Medpro did not comply with healthcare standards, particularly regarding the sterilisation of surgical gowns intended for NHS personnel. Chancellor Rachel Reeves expressed disappointment over potential consequences for Mone’s peerage but emphasized her commitment to reclaiming the funds for public services.

Amid a nationwide PPE shortage in 2020, PPE Medpro was established through a consortium that received a government contract via a VIP lane, facilitated by Mone’s connection. The government ordered 25 million sterile gowns, but upon inspection, found that a substantial number were substandard—103 out of 140 tested gowns failed. Consequently, the government sought legal action against Medpro in 2022 for non-compliance with the contract.

Despite Medpro’s claims of contract fulfilment, evidence revealed the gowns lacked the necessary ’notified body number’ and proper sterilisation validation. Justice Cockerill ruled against Medpro, citing their inability to prove compliance. Although she acknowledged the DHSC’s delayed rejection of the gowns, she ultimately held Medpro accountable for the damages.

Following the judgement, Medpro’s financial situation appeared dire, with their last accounts reporting only £666,025 in shareholder funds. The firm has been ordered to pay the damages by October 15. Mone characterized the ruling as an “Establishment win,” while her representatives claimed the court’s decision did not accurately reflect the trial’s proceedings. Baroness Mone, once celebrated for her entrepreneurial success, is also under investigation by the National Crime Agency for potential procurement-related criminal offenses.