Scottish businesswoman Michelle Mone has yet to make her maiden speech in the House of Lords despite being a peer for four months.

She is one of only Scottish peers enobled last year who have yet to make their maiden speech.

It was reported in today's Scotland on Sunday that Baroness Mone, who founed underwear firm Ultimo, blamed her silence on losing her voice.

Her spokesman was reported to have said she would make her first contribution 'as soon as she gets her voice back'.

However, following publication of this story by The Herald and our sister paper The Evening Times, Baroness Mone tweeted to say: "Can you please stop with your lies! I haven't lost my voice & I'm waiting on my slot. I've been working on Gov review"

 

Although she is still to make her maiden speech, Mone has taken part in votes at the House of Lords including voting in favour of cuts to tax credits.

Mone has been criticised for not yet making a speech by Scottish Labour business spokesman Lewis Macdonald, who says she has missed an opportunity to speak up for small business owners.

He said: "Michelle Mone being shy and retiring in the House of Lords must come as a big surprise and it's disappointing that she appears to see her role as being to just turn up and vote for the UK government's policies.

"There will be many small business people out there disappointed to learn that someone who they thought was a stong-minded entrepreneur has not been using the seat they were given in the House of Lords to speak up for them."