Former Defence Secretary Fox broke ministerial code - reports - Reuters UK

LONDON | Tue Oct 18, 2011 2:28am BST

LONDON (Reuters) - Former Defence Secretary Liam Fox broke the ministerial code of conduct in his dealings with his friend Adam Werritty, an official government report is expected to say on Tuesday.

British media said the report, carried out by Britain's most senior civil servant Gus O'Donnell, will find Fox broke the rules, but did not gain financially from the arrangement.

The cabinet secretary's report is expected to suggest that Fox was right to step down as he failed to avoid a conflict of interest, or the perception of any conflict, between his public duties and private interests.

Questions have since been asked of how Werritty, who claimed to be Fox's adviser on at least 18 foreign trips, funded his business activities and whether he benefited from frequent access to the former defence secretary.

Fox, 50, resigned last Friday over his friendship with Werritty, after admitting he had allowed the lines between his personal and professional life to become "blurred."

He has since been replaced by former Transport Secretary Philip Hammond.

(Reporting by Stephen Mangan)