SPARE a thought for lingerie tycoon Michelle Mone. After facing criticism for using a taxpayer-funded chauffeur-driven Government ministerial car, she said it was “unfair” – because she is simply trying to “help other people achieve their dreams”.
The founder of lingerie brand Ultimo, who is reportedly worth £20 million, is not a Government minister but is carrying out a Department for Work and Pensions review of small business support for people from less advantaged areas.
The 43-year-old faced criticism after appearing to boast about the car on social media.
But the entrepreneur later defended her decision to take a short journey from her London home to Euston station in a taxpayer-paid Jaguar.
She tweeted: “I’m working so hard & giving over 50 free days for this review to give back. I got a lift in a car for 15 mins, dropped at the train station...
“How is this fair when all I’m trying to do is help other people achieve their dreams? I will continue to work hard & carry on with my work”.
Officials did not reveal the cost of the journey but claimed it was cheaper than flagging down a black cab or even catching the Underground and then claiming the money back through expenses.
TaxPayers’ Alliance political director Dia Chakravarty said: “Taxpayers will be furious that their hard-earned money is still funding luxury cars for our politicians.
“If a taxpayer-funded car is at all necessary to carry out official work there are much cheaper options available.”
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