Secretary scandal

British Defense Secretary Liam Fox tendered his resignation Friday in the wake of a damaging scandal surrounding his working relationship with close associate Adam Werrity, who had falsely posed as a government adviser.

A slew of recent news stories about Fox and his former roommate and the best man at his wedding had eroded Fox's credibility ahead of an inquiry into the affair that was due to be published within days.

It was alleged in the British media that Werrity, a businessman with defense interests, had been granted access to classified information through Fox.

In his official resignation letter to Prime Minister David Cameron, Fox said he had allowed the lines between his personal and government activities to become blurred, admitting that "the consequences of this have become clearer in recent days. I am very sorry for this."

"I have therefore decided, with great sadness, to resign from my post as secretary of state for defense - a position which I have been immensely proud and honored to have held."

Fox did a 'superb job': Cameron

In his letter of response, Cameron said he accepted Fox's resignation, albeit reluctantly, adding he was "very sorry to see [him] go" after 17 months as defense secretary.

Cameron said Fox had done a "superb job," adding: "You can be proud of the difference you have made in your time in office, and in helping our party to return to government."

Transport Secretary Philip Hammond has been appointed Britain's new defense secretary, with Justine Greening, a junior finance minister, replacing Hammond.

Fox becomes the second member of Cameron's coalition government to resign since it took office in May last year. The first was Liberal Democrat minister David Laws, who was forced to stand down within weeks of the election over an expenses scandal.

Author: Darren Mara (AFP, Reuters)
Editor: Martin Kuebler