By Danielle Lobito
Former defence secretary Liam Fox: Photograph Steve Parsons/PA
British medical doctor cum politician Liam Fox, 50, resigned yesterday as the Secretary of State for Defence over allegations that his ‘best man’ Adam Werritty, 33, used him to curry favour and was funded by taxpayers on unofficial foreign trips etc.
The shadow defence secretary, Jim Murphy earlier ‘forced’ Fox to face the House of Commons. Fox denied the allegations in the House of Commons with a ‘display’… He wasted a lot of time by talking about his job rather than tackle the allegations against him. Fox probably had a ‘charisma’ that allowed most members of the House of Commons to be soft on him. He spoke with confidence and made Members of Parliament laugh.
However, he said he stopped the dubious business cards that Werritty used to pose as his adviser when he was not, as soon as he was briefed. He was asked why he refused to adhere to a privte warning about his 'improper dealings' with Werritty. He claimed that he did not understand the private warning.
Fox could have cut off his close relationship with Werritty after the business card scandal, but because of the amount of money involved, he continued to allow Werritty to meet him at more international meetings around the world, at the expense of taxpayers. Werritty was allowed to attend diplomatic meetings in different countries e.g., a meeting with the President of Sri Lanka. Werritty allegedly lived ‘rent-free’ from Fox and was paid by Fox’s donors.
Before the resignation of Dr Fox, Prime Minister David Cameron told the House of Commons that it would be better to wait for the Cabinet Secretary to deliver his inquiry report on Fox. He further said that it would be up to him as the Prime Minister to decide whether Fox would be sacked or not, under the ministerial code. The defensive statement was received with an uproar.
Cameron is fond of ‘supporting’ his cabinet members and appointees in their 'hour of need'. He considers them to be innocent until proven guilty. He also seems to prefer to judge a person by performance on the job and not by downfall e.g., the resignation of his former spin doctor Andy Coulson. Fox’s resignation came before the Cabinet Secretary could deliver his report on him. It was a scandal too many, including flat burglary and his private life. Resignation was probably the best way out but the allegations may continue. Philip Hammond is the new Secretary of State for Defence.
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