THE billionaire fiancé of lingerie tycoon Baroness Michelle Mone is using taxpayers’ cash to furlough staff, The Sun on Sunday can reveal.
Doug Barrowman, 55, is using a Government handout to pay about five workers at his Knox group of companies. Meanwhile, Michelle, 48, has not furloughed any of her team.
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Mr Barrowman made his fortune in corporate finance but is described as a philanthropist on his website.
A source said: “It seems quite astonishing that a billionaire, who proudly boasts of his extravagant lifestyle, is using taxpayers’ money to prop up his business.
“While Doug and his team have understandably taken heed of their financial advisers’ suggestions, it seems strange he wouldn’t use his own money.
“Michelle and Doug are both sensitive to the current climate though, and won’t be flashing their wealth on Instagram for the foreseeable future.”
Knox said it had furloughed less than one per cent of staff.
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The dad of four, who accumulated his wealth through corporate finance in the 90s, has seven homes, an 18-strong car collection, a private jet and £50mn super-yacht, and an art collection boasting a Picasso and a Dali.
Victoria Beckham, Sir Richard Branson and Sir Philip Green have also turned to Government funding.
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