Mone calls MP ‘moron’ in row over voting

● Co-founder of Ultimo lingerie brand defends her House of Lords contribution

A Scottish Conservative peer has launched a blistering attack on an SNP MP in a row over her contributions to the House of Lords.

Michelle Mone, co-founder of the Ultimo lingerie brand, described Stewart Mcdonald as an “SNP moron” after the MP for Glasgow South said she had not submitted any written questions to the UK government since being appointed to the upper chamber in 2015.

The businesswoman from Glasgow responded that she had taken part in 78 votes in the Lords rather than two, as Mr Mcdonald had suggested.

Baroness Mone’s furious response followed a tweet from the SNP MP which mocked her new jewellery line, which is being sold via a television shopping channel.

“Since becoming a baroness and legislator – for which she is entitled to £300 per day – Ms Mone has submitted no questions to the government and taken part in only two votes,” he said. “Still, she’s sold some jewellery.”

The peer replied: “What are you talking about you SNP moron. I have voted over 78 times, not twice! I’m a global entrepreneur with nine business interests, not a full time MP like you. The difference is I’m a baroness for life, whereas you will be out of your MP job in no time.”

Mr Mcdonald later clarified his original tweet. “Sorry you’re right, you’ve walked down the voting corridor 78 times and spoken in two debates,” he said.

Some social media users were less than impressed with the peer’s outburst.

One replied: “Such class, such elegance, such dazzling wit. A true benefit to our parliament.”

But other people were more supportive, with one asking Mr Mcdonald whether he was “jealous” of her success. Baroness Mone has enjoyed a high media profile and has appeared on reality television shows including The Apprentice and Celebrity Masterchef.

Her elevation to the House of Lords in 2015, under then prime minister David Cameron, proved controversial with several prominent Scottish business figures criticising her appointment as a “business czar”, claiming she did not have the business credentials for the position.

She was appointed by the department for work and pensions to review the support available for people from less advantaged areas to start up their own businesses.

Douglas Anderson, joint managing director of Glasgow-based Gap Group, a tool and plant hire company, wrote to Mr Cameron at the time to describe the underwear firm owner as “a small-time businesswoman”.

He said elevating her to the House of Lords would be “highly divisive”, given her outspoken opposition to Scottish independence.

John Pirie, a partner in the private equity firm Nevis Capital, said he had been “flabbergasted” to learn of Baroness Mone’s new role.

In 2015, she resigned from the board of the underwear firm she founded after selling the majority of her stake in parent group MJM International.