Philip Hammond named new UK Defense Secretary
Philip Hammond has been appointed the new U.K. defense secretary. He is shown here talking to the media on College Green outside the Houses of Parliament on October 8, 2010, in London, England.
Philip Hammond, formerly the United Kingdom’s transport minister, has been appointed as the new defense secretary after the resignation of Liam Fox on Friday, according to the Washington Post.
Fox resigned from his post amid controversy that he had allegedly used a friend to conduct government business, Bloomberg reported. His friend, Adam Werritty, had been present on 18 overseas trips to gain defense contracts and had personal business cards with his role named as an adviser to Fox, though he does not hold that position.
The AP reported that Fox’s resignation is the first loss to the U.K.’s Conservative Party, which was formed after an inconclusive election in May 2010. His departure came before the results from a government inquiry are expected to be made public next week.
According to The Guardian, in a letter of resignation to Prime Minister David Cameron, Fox said: “I mistakenly allowed the distinction between my personal interest and my government activities to become blurred. The consequences of this have become clearer in recent days.”
Hammond, 55, replaces Fox after having served as transport secretary in the British government. He has served in Parliament since 1997, according to AP.