Private firms ‘funded Fox friend’

14 October 2011 Last updated at 00:38 ET

An investigation is examining whether Liam Fox broke rules on ministerial conduct

Financial backers linked to Israel and a private intelligence firm helped fund the travels of Liam Fox’s close friend Adam Werritty, according to reports.

The Times claims they helped channel £147,000 into a company set up by Mr Werritty, who used it to join the defence secretary on trips abroad.

The lobbyist is due to be questioned again later as part of a probe into his relationship with the minister.

Mr Fox insists his friend does not work for him officially or unofficially.

The Times claims a money trail links Mr Werritty to a private intelligence company with strong interests in Sri Lanka and a property investor who lobbies the UK government on behalf of Israel.

The paper also alleges links to a venture capitalist whom it claims is “keen for stronger ties with Washington”.

‘Weak leadership’

Mr Fox has faced continuous pressure after it emerged his best man and former flat mate Mr Werritty was present on 18 of his overseas trips despite having no official role.

The 34-year-old had also met the defence secretary at the Ministry of Defence (MoD) 22 times since May 2010 and handed out business cards claiming he was Mr Fox’s adviser.

Meanwhile, it has been reported that the pair attended a $500 (£318) dollar-a-head dinner in Washington with senior defence industry figures which had not been declared by the MoD.

The Daily Telegraph claims they were both guests at the fundraising dinner last year at the Mandarin Oriental hotel.

Mr Fox’s spokesman said he had been attending the event in a “private capacity” while he was on annual leave and that taxpayers’ money was not used.

Labour leader Ed Miliband has accused Mr Cameron of weak leadership over the affair for not reaching a swift decision on Mr Fox’s future.

But Mr Cameron again insisted on Thursday he would not make a decision on his minister’s position until all the facts had been established.

“A strong leader actually recognises have to take time to get all the information, answer all the questions, and then actually make a decision,” he said.

“A weak leader is someone who jumps at it because of some artificial deadline. Let’s get the facts established, and then we’ll make a decision.”

Cabinet Secretary Sir Gus O’Donnell is leading an investigation into claims Dr Fox broke the rules on ministerial conduct by allowing his friend access to government business.

He is not expected to complete his report until next week.

After an an interim report into Mr Fox’s conduct was released on Monday, No 10 said serious mistakes had been made.

— ’re ’s , . : A ‘Malign Intellectual Subculture’ – George Monbiot Smears Chomsky, Herman, Peterson, Pilger And Media Lens.