Covid Inquiry Rejects Michelle Mone's Core Participant Bid

The UK Covid-19 Inquiry has rejected a late request from Baroness Michelle Mone and her husband Doug Barrowman to become 'core participants' in the investigation into PPE contracts awarded during the pandemic. Chairwoman Baroness Heather Hallett stated that the application was submitted past the deadline and did not demonstrate a 'direct or significant' role in the inquiry's focus. The couple sought this status to access documents and evidence regarding their company PPE Medpro, which secured over £200 million in contracts after Mone's recommendation to ministers. The inquiry will hear evidence about PPE Medpro in private to avoid prejudicing an ongoing police investigation into the company. Critics, including bereaved families, have voiced concerns that the inquiry's decision may hinder transparency and accountability. The inquiry's focus remains on the government's procurement processes rather than individual suppliers.