BARONESS BRA-ZEN!
Lady Mone to enjoy privilege of marrying in Lords chapel... despite missing 75% of Lords sittings!
SINCE she was made a peer, former lingerie tycoon Baroness Mone has been criticised for her poor attendance record at the House of Lords.
The Scot has been absent from many key speeches and debates – but there is one upcoming date she is certain not to miss.
The Glaswegian businesswoman, 47, is getting married this year in ‘the House of Lords church’.
Taking advantage of a privilege available only to peers, MPs and their families, Lady Mone has chosen to tie the knot with Scots billionaire Doug Barrowman, 53, later this year in the 13th century Chapel of St Mary Undercroft in the heart of the Palace of Westminster. Her decision to wed at the exclusive venue – unavailable to members of the public – is bound to raise a few eyebrows.
Lady Mone was absent for threequarters of the days on which the Lords was sitting, analysis shows. The Baroness, who was made a life peer by then prime minister David Cameron in 2015, attended on just 38 of a potential 156 days at the House of Lords between January 2018 and January this year.
Meanwhile, Lady Mone has also revealed that, after the wedding ceremony, she and her new husband will host a party at the luxurious Corinthia Hotel – where President Donald Trump and his family stayed during their recent UK visit.
A representative for the couple told The Mail on Sunday: ‘Lady Mone OBE and Mr Doug Barrowman will be getting married in the House of Lords church. They have arranged to take over the incredible Corinthia Hotel for the weekend to celebrate with their family and friends.’ The wedding date will not be revealed until all of the guests have received invitations. The Chapel of St Mary Undercroft is available only at the discretion of Black Rod, a senior official in the House of Lords. Dating to 1297, the former crypt is a working chapel within the Houses of Parliament. The interior boasts intricate medieval decoration as well as Victorian stained glass windows.
Prince Harry’s cousin Alexander Fellowes chose it for his wedding, as did the late Charles Kennedy, the former leader of the Liberal Democrats. James Major, son of former Prime Minister John Major, married glamour model Emma Noble there in 1999.
Last night, a source close to the couple said: ‘Lady Mone is currently looking at dress designers. Suzanne Neville looks like the winner.
‘The event is black tie but Doug will be wearing his tartan trews. It will be very much a Scottishthemed wedding with lots of international star friends attending.’
The wedding will mark the start of Lady Mone’s second marriage. She made her fortune in the lingerie business along with first husband Michael Mone. Following their divorce, she sold her share in their company, Ultimo.
In recent years her ventures have included digital currency, a jewellery range sold on shopping channel QVC and slimming pills.
Made an OBE for her contribution to business in 2010, Lady Mone was given a life peerage five years later.
She has been with Isle of Manbased businessman Mr Barrowman for three years. Describing their relationship, mother-of-three Lady
‘Very much a Scottish themed wedding’
Mone has previously said: ‘We couldn’t be happier – Doug is such an incredible guy and we are looking forward to spending our lives together.’
Defending her attendance record, a spokesman for Lady Mone said: ‘Baroness Mone has made every effort to attend the most important votes in the House of Lords and will continue to do.
‘Baroness Mone hasn’t missed any two or three line whips. Her attendance in the House and voting record is publicly available.
‘She does not hold a Government position and is not obligated to attend. As with all other Peers who are not Ministers or office holders, she does not receive a salary and gives her allowance to charity.’