15 Oct 2011

British defence secretary steps down amid controversy

11:27 pm on 15 October 2011

British defence secretary, Liam Fox, has resigned after days of controversy over his friend, Adam Werritty.

Mr Fox could not explain why his former flatmate, who has no official role, attended defence ministry meetings and travelled abroad with him.

Mr Fox says he had mistakenly allowed the distinction between his personal interests and his government activities to become blurred reports the BBC.

Labour says it's still unclear who paid for Mr Werritty's trips abroad with Mr Fox, why were they doing it and why was it allowed to continue for so long.

Labour says the inquiry into Liam Fox's conduct should continue, despite him stepping down.

The new defence secretary will be the former transport secretary Philip Hammond.