Cabinet Shake Up After Fox Resignation

A number of new appointments to the Cabinet have been announced following the resignation of Dr Liam Fox last week.

Philip Hammond, who was Secretary of State for Transport will now replace Dr Fox as Secretary of State for Defence.

The Essex born Mr Hammond was elected to the House of Commons in 1997 and has held a number of shadow port folios.

Responding to his appointment, Mr Hammond said: "I have always been a huge admirer of the professionalism and the dedication of our Armed Forces, so it is a real honour and privilege to be asked by the Prime Minister to take on this role and work with them in maintaining our nation's security

"I look forward to picking up the baton from Liam and working closely with the Prime Minister, Foreign Secretary and International Development Secretary to ensure that our defences are robust and that the finances that lie behind them are equally robust."

Mr Hammond added that he thought Liam Fox had done a "brilliant job" before paying tribute to the Armed Forces and the civilian personnel who support them.

"Their dedication, professionalism and heroism is unquestionable and I look forward to working with them to help shape defence for the better."

The former Defence Secretary Dr Fox handed in his resignation to the Prime Minister on Friday evening after frequent and damaging revelations emerged throughout the week, detailing impropriety over his business trips and his unofficial advisor.

In his resignation letter, Dr Fox said: "I mistakenly allowed the distinction between my personal interest and my government activities to become blurred."

Among the other appointments made by the Prime Minister was the moving of Justine Greening, former Economic Secretary at HM Treasury, who is to become Secretary of State for Transport.

Chloe Smith, the Assistant Whip in the House of Commons is to become Economic Secretary at HM Treasury, while her role will be filled by Greg Hands.

(DW/CD)