MICHELLE Mone has explained her decision to quit Scotland by saying her career had succeeded “beyond my wildest dreams”.
The bra tycoon dismayed her followers on Twitter yesterday by revealing that she was leaving the land of her birth, although Ultimo’s HQ will remain in East Kilbride.
But the announcement was also met with a barrage of abuse from twitter users – many of them “cybernats”.
Mone responded to one abusive message by tweeting: “I’m moving because my career has taken off beyond my wildest dreams.
“Advice, get rid of your jealousy, drags you down.”
Mone’s spokeswoman was asked if this tweet suggested career success and living in Scotland were incompatible.
The tweet shortly afterwards disappeared from Mone’s Twitter page.
The millionaire businesswoman first made her plans public early in the morning, when she revealed she was moving away for “many reasons”.
She tweeted: “Been a long hard decision, but I’m moving away for many reasons.
“Ultimo HQ will still remain. My passion and love will never die for #Scotland.”
She initially provided no clear reason for her choice, and there was some speculation that her decision was politically-motivated.
Mone publicly backed the Conservatives during the recent General Election, which saw the Scottish National party win the majority of seats in Scotland.
One user, Tam1314, wrote: “Perhaps she doesn’t like the fact that the SNP have a voice now.”
She also received messages from trolls who said they hoped she “never came back”.
John McCaffray said: “The only thing you have love and passion for is yourself. Won’t be missed.”
Fionnbharr Leodhas added: “One less Tory. Never come back.”
However, the news upset some fans who said that Scotland would “miss her”.
Leanne Whitehouse wrote: “You will still be able to get Irn Bru wherever.”
Andrew Davis said: “If it makes sense and gives you more happiness then it’s a win-win.”
One user called Susie added: “Whatever makes you happy. Scotland will miss you.”
Mone, who was born and raised in Glasgow’s East End, has been spending more time at her £2m London flat recently.
She also owns a five-bedroomed mansion in Thorntonhall, South Lanarkshire, which she once shared with her ex-husband.
Another one of her properties – a three-bedroomed townhouse in Glasgow – is currently on the market.
Mone recently revealed that she bought the multi-million pound penthouse in London’s Mayfair area because it had views of HMS Belfast – the ship that her grandfather served on.
In a recent interview from her apartment she said: “I absolutely love it here. I always wanted to wake up beside the water.
“I know it’s horrible, dirt brown water but it’s lovely.”
The apartment balcony has been a favourite spot for photoshoots as Mone promotes her biography and fake tan brand.
Mone later tweeted a message to “SNP muppets”, saying she would not miss what she termed you “angry, hated, jealous lot”.
The businesswoman wrote: “Note all the SNP muppets.
“I haven’t turned my back on Scotland purely biz global commitments.
“I certainly won’t miss u angry,hated,jealous lot”.
Her outburst divided opinion.
One follower responded with: “I’ll miss you! Your a great role model for business men and woman. Good luck with the new ventures.”
A detractor wrote: “Snore off Mrs Neg.”
An SNP spokeswoman said: “This is entirely a personal matter for Michelle Mone, and we wish her well.”
Mone was not available for comment.
