UK defense minister quits in influence scandal

Britains defense minister quit Friday in the face of an influence peddling scandal focused on a close friend who was present on scores of overseas trips despite having no government role.Defense Secretary Liam Fox became the first Conservative Party lawmaker to quit Britains Cabinet since the countrys coalition government was formed following an inconclusive election in May 2010.Fox became cornered by questions over the policy influence of his 34-year-old friend Adam Werritty, who served as the best man at Foxs 2005 wedding and with whom he had once shared an apartment. Critics demanded to know who was funding the younger mans tours across the globe to join the minister on 18 overseas visits.Questions were also raised about whether Werritty was representing groups interested in building ties with Fox to gain defense contracts, or seeking to curry favour with the British defense establishment.Fox, 50, had initially insisted he planned to continue in his role leading Britains armed forces, but he was sunk by continued disclosures over Werrittys activities.I mistakenly allowed the distinction between my personal interest and my government activities to become blurred, Fox told Prime Minister David Cameron in his resignation letter. The consequences of this have become clearer in recent days. I am very sorry for this.Cameron, who had vowed to wait for the results of a government inquiry expected next week before deciding on Foxs fate, was considering candidates for the high-profile role.Transport Secretary Philip Hammond, International Development Secretary Andrew Mitchell and Northern Ireland Secretary Owen Paterson were all tipped to take on Foxs defense brief, along with party veteran Malcolm Rifkind, a former defense secretary.