Fox faces more pressure for soliciting funds

LIAM FOX was facing more pressure last night over his role in soliciting donations to fund close friend Adam Werritty.

Police and the Electoral Commission are being asked to investigate whether the former British defence secretary and Mr Werritty broke the law.

Meanwhile, Foreign Secretary William Hague signalled the coalition would be looking at wider problems with the lobbying system in the wake of the scandal that engulfed Dr Fox.

The latest developments came despite Dr Fox finally falling on his sword on Friday after a turbulent week for the coalition.

Prime Minister David Cameron shifted Philip Hammond to take charge at the Ministry of Defence, while Justine Greening replaced him at Transport.

According to The Sunday Telegraph, the reshuffle was so hastily conducted that Mr Cameron contacted his ministers from a train platform surrounded by morris dancers.

Venture capitalist Jon Moulton is understood to have approached Cabinet Secretary Sir Gus O’Donnell to complain at being “misled” by Dr Fox.

Mr Moulton said the Cabinet minister asked him to donate to Pargav, a not-for-profit company set up by Mr Werritty. He was apparently told the firm helped provide “security and analysis”, and was unaware it was funding Mr Werritty’s travel to meet Dr Fox on official trips.

The millionaire has also complained to the Conservative Party about the way he was treated.

There were reports those giving money to Pargav had been promised anonymity, which could potentially be against rules on declaring donations.

Bassetlaw MP John Mann said he had written to police asking for a fraud probe to be launched.

“I referred the matter to the police to investigate whether there is a potential fraud,” he told the Telegraph. “Mr Werritty gave out business cards saying he was an adviser to Dr Fox. If that is not the case and he was getting money – for whatever purpose – by misrepresenting his relationship with the defence secretary, that cannot be right.”