Michelle Mone has responded to criticism that she twice opposed tax credit delays in the House of Lords by posting a message that says the second chamber does not block government measures over the country's finances.


Baroness Mone of Mayfair was among the 272 "not contents" over a motion calling for a delay on the tax credit changes for three years and demand consultation.  It was carried with 289 votes.


She also voted against a motion won by 307 to 277 calling for a delay until we fully understand impact.

The Herald:

She has been criticised on social media for her decision to back the Bill which was defeated in the House of Lords.


She responded by posting  a message starting "Please read so you understand..." with a curtailed picture grab of an analysis which appeared in the Daily Mail which said:"Under a long-standing Parliamentary convention the House of Lords does not block any government measures concerning the nation's finances. 

"This is because peers are unelected and have no right to reject measures to do with tax and spending which have the support of MPs chosen by the public."


She stops there.  It has now been deleted.


But the full analysis (below) goes on to say: "However, Labour and Lib Dem peers ignored the convention tonight to stop George Osborne's tax credit cuts."

The Herald:

But her comments were criticised.

One tweeted: "One wrote: "I'm sorry is this your justification for voting against stopping or delaying tax credit cuts. You're appalling!" 

The  House of Lords defeat over its plans to cut tax credits was widely described as a constitutional crisis.

The lingerie entrepreneur joined legions of peers in the vote.

The Herald:
She took her her seat in the House of Lords less than a fortnight ago at a short introduction ceremony flanked by supporters Work and Pensions minister Lord Freud and Tory peer Baroness Morris of Bolton.


The 44-year-old, who grew up in the east end of Glasgow,  was one of 45 new peers announced by David Cameron in August. Over half the new intake were Conservatives prompting accusations of "cronyism" from critics of the appointment process.