Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

David Cameron challenged over Adam Werritty

Gavin Cordon
Wednesday 12 October 2011 09:55 EDT
Comments

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Labour MPs today sought to draw Downing Street into the growing controversy over Defence Secretary Liam Fox's links with the lobbyist, Adam Werritty.

At Prime Ministers Questions, senior backbencher Alun Michael challenged David Cameron over reports that one of his most senior political advisers, Gabby Bertin, had previously worked with Mr Werritty.

Following the exchanges in the Commons, Ms Bertin confirmed that she had known Mr Werritty from her time when she worked for Dr Fox when the Tories were in opposition.

She also confirmed she had worked for Dr Fox's controversial Atlantic Bridge charity, although she said that she was not there when Mr Werritty was the organisation's director.

"He was somebody I knew when I worked for Liam," she said. "Adam was close to Liam, there is nothing much more to say on that front."

She said Mr Cameron was aware of her past role at Atlantic Bridge, which was dissolved earlier this year after the Charity Commission said its main objective appeared to be promoting a political party "closely associated with the Conservative Party".

"He did know that I worked for Atlantic Bridge. I was the first employee, I set it up and got it off the ground," she said.

In the Commons, in response to another question by Labour MP Nia Griffith, Mr Cameron said he would consider providing a list of meetings by ministers and No 10 staffers with Mr Werritty since the Government came to power.

Ms Griffith asked if he would publish "a full list of all the ministers and Downing Street staff who, since May 2010, have met Mr Adam Werritty in either an official or social capacity, including whether he himself as Prime Minister has met him".

Mr Cameron responded: "I am very happy to look at that."

Ms Bertin said that Mr Cameron had no recollection of having met Mr Werritty.

PA

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in