A recent development has reignited the anger of relatives affected by a firm associated with Michelle Mone being ordered to repay £122 million due to questionable PPE transactions. The controversy escalated when it was revealed that a company linked to her husband, Douglas Barrowman, acquired a lavish Florida property for £10 million on Fisher Island in July. This purchase occurred prior to the High Court’s directive for PPE Medpro, a company owned by a group led by Mone’s husband, to return the funds received from the government for defective surgical gowns.

Deborah Doyle, who lost her mother in a care home during the pandemic, expressed dismay at the news of the luxury property purchase, stating that it added insult to injury for the affected families. The Covid-19 Bereaved Families for Justice group criticized the acquisition of the upscale home while the public is still owed a substantial amount, calling for repercussions against Mone.

The property in question, located on the exclusive Fisher Island, is only accessible by boat or helicopter and has been home to celebrities such as Julia Roberts, Mel Brooks, and Oprah Winfrey. A spokesperson representing Mone clarified that Barrowman’s firm purchased the property for refurbishment and resale, emphasizing his extensive experience as an investor.

The Department for Health and Social Care initiated legal action against PPE Medpro for supplying faulty gowns during the pandemic, with Health Secretary Wes Streeting asserting the government’s commitment to recovering the owed funds. Mone’s involvement in recommending the firm for Covid contracts further fueled the controversy, with allegations of inadequate accountability from the consortium.

Despite facing backlash, Mone defended herself, claiming innocence and asserting that she and her husband were unfairly targeted in the PPE scandal. The consortium expressed willingness to engage in discussions with the government for a resolution, criticizing the lack of proactive response from the authorities.