[6] In 2015, Owen worked for a month in Brussels for Jacqueline Foster, the deputy leader of the Conservatives in the European Parliament.

The accuracy of her stated career history has been disputed, with some asserting that Owen exaggerated both the seniority of her position and the duration that she worked in 10 Downing Street.

[12] In the honours list announcing her life peerage, she was described as "Former Special Adviser to the former Prime Minister Rt Hon Boris Johnson MP".

[14] Owen's assertion that she interned for George Osborne while he was chancellor in David Cameron's cabinet has also been challenged.

[15] In September 2024, Owen was appointed vice-president of the environmental consultancy firm chaired by Boris Johnson named Better Earth.

[13][17] The decision was criticised, as Owen was perceived to be inexperienced and not to have contributed significantly to British politics or society.

[27] In January 2025 Owen's official citation was released by HOLAC following an 18 month Freedom of Information Act 2000 campaign by Martin Rosenbaum.