LINGERIE entrepreneur Michelle Mone received online abuse from trolls after celebrating officially becoming a Tory peer by changing her social media moniker.
The businesswoman has changed her Twitter and Facebook profiles to Lady Michelle Mone after having her title confirmed and immediately encountered a mixture of bitter criticism, personal abuse and praise.
Ms Mone, who was recently made a business czar by the Conservatives, will be in Glasgow today as part of her tour of the UK, speaking to people in order to compile a report about entrepreneurship and the challenges of setting up small businesses in deprived areas. She is to hold a private meeting with local entrepreneurs to discuss what barriers there may be for setting up in business.
Hello my to my favourite #Glasgow Looking forward to a day of meetings for my Government review on start-ups #betheboss
— Lady Michelle Mone (@MichelleMone) October 1, 2015
The founder of the Ultimo lingerie brand announced: "Yes, I'm officially Lady Mone today! Thanks to my family, friends, customers & supporters. I promise to work hard #LadyM."
Some tweets made in response were offensive and misogynistic while others were more tempered but questioned her appointment.
Karen Stephenson said: "Nice you got a title, but isn't it a bit premature for work you have not completed yet?
"I am a big fan, but I also believe in credit where it due and when a substantial contribution has already been made, in this instance that has not happened yet, and should be judged on completion of your report for the House of Lords."
Barry Vallely added: "It's great that Michelle Mone has now been officially rewarded for....donating millions to the millionaire supporting Tory party...."
Others were celebratory and scathing of the haters.
Alban North said: "Congratulations, seeing you receive this is a double whammy - it's recognition of your hard work and perseverance.
"Secondly it's amusing to see the bitter and twisted continue to spill their pointless views, from which the stench of jealousy and small mindedness comes from. You make the vast majority of us proud!!!!"
Early blow dry pre day of biz engagements in Glasgow for the new Lady Mone @MichelleMone pic.twitter.com/3Rr2wXt9V1
— Taylor Ferguson (@HairGlasgow) October 1, 2015
Ms Mone said she was "honoured and humbled" after Downing Street confirmed in August that she was to be one of 45 new members of the House of Lords.
The 43-year-old later faced criticism after appearing to boast about using a taxpayer-funded chauffeur-driven Government ministerial car while carrying out her work.
She said on social media last week that it was "unfair" because she is trying to "help other people achieve their dreams".
News of her peerage caused controversy earlier this year – with Electoral Reform Society chief executive Katie Ghose branding some of the appointments “an expensive insult to the public”.
Yes I'm officially Lady Mone today! Thanks to my family,friends,customers &supporters.I promise to work hard 👸#LadyM pic.twitter.com/G7PjBbImdW
— Lady Michelle Mone (@MichelleMone) September 30, 2015
Mr Duncan Smith in unveiling Ms Mone's new role, said no-one was “better qualified to help young entrepreneurs from deprived backgrounds”.
Her company MJM International suffered losses of £780,000 in 2013 before passing its assets to the parent company Ultimo Brands International, which also made a loss, with both businesses publishing the accounts of a “small company”.
Ms Mone then forged a business partnership with Sri Lanka-based lingerie group MAS Holdings, which has a majority stake in Ultimo.
Her website describes her as one of the UK’s leading entrepreneurs and one of the UK’s most notable global speakers.
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