PS122m Tory Peer Linked To Government-Funded Firm For PPE Purchased For PS46m

ADVERTISEMENT

After Mone reached out to two ministers, Michael Gove and Theodore Agnew in May 2020, the company was entered into the government’s high-priority lane. They stated that PPE could be obtained from “my Hong Kong team”.

The Guardian obtained documents that shed light on the production of these gowns by Wujiang Tutaike Textile and Finishing Co Ltd in China. They also revealed the cost price.

PPE Medpro’s supply chains intermediaries with Wujiang suggest that the Wujiang company entered into two contracts to supply all 25m gowns. The total cost was $60.35m. This was approximately PS46m at the time.

This suggests that PPE Medpro, three intermediary companies, shared profits of as high as PS76m – possibly less shipping costs and other logistics costs.

PPE Medpro spokesperson claimed that the company saved the government money considering the price it was paying at the time for PPE.

They stated that the supply chain involved the sourcing team as well as manufacturers, sterilization plant operators, packaging, quality assurance and logistics teams. “This global team of companies and people worked 24 hours a day to get PPE to the frontline in order to save lives.

The Guardian reported in January that leaked files showed that Mone, her husband and the Isle of Man financier Douglas Barrowman were involved in PPE Medpro. WhatsApp messages containing WhatsApp messages showing Mone texting from a private plane in June 2020 show Mone discussing the sizes of the gowns and details about the DHSC’s “PO” or purchase order process.