Fox begins probe into friend’s adviser role

Dr Fox has been accused of breaking ministerial code by allowing Adam Werritty, a close friend and the minister’s best man, access to the Ministry of Defence (MoD).

Mr Werritty is not employed by the MoD, but has reportedly handed out business cards describing himself as “an adviser to Rt Hon Liam Fox MP”.

The Guardian today reported that Mr Werritty has joined the defence secretary on an official visit to Sri Lanka, although Dr Fox previously said he did not travel with him on official overseas visits.

In a statement, Dr Fox said: “A number of baseless accusations have been made in recent days.

“For the sake of clarity I have asked my permanent secretary to establish whether there has been any breach of national security or the ministerial code. She will report back in due course.”

The MoD said that Mr Werritty has never been part of Dr Fox’s official overseas travelling party.

“Mr Werritty’s meetings with the Secretary of State at the MoD have concerned entirely private matters, not to discuss MoD business. At no time has he had access to any classified MoD documents or information,” said a spokesman.