Peter Wardle
Chief Executive
The Electoral Commission
Dear Peter,
Rt Hon Liam Fox MP and the Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act
I would like you to investigate potential breaches of the Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act 2000.
Recent press reports suggest that Adam Werritty was employed as an advisor to the Rt Hon Liam Fox MP. On 12 October 2011, Nick Robinson of the BBC reported that "a wealthy backer of Liam Fox" and "half a dozen others raised funds to pay for Adam Werritty to act as the Defence Secretary's unofficial adviser". Nick Robinson reported that the donor "wants to remain anonymous". As you will know, anonymous donations to regulated donees are illegal.
On 13 October, Ben Brogan of the Daily Telegraph reported that "Mr Werritty was a privately funded special adviser, paid for by the Defence Secretary's wealthy supporters", and that this was in part a response to Whitehall limits on the number of special advisers. If true, this would be a donation to Liam Fox, which would legally have to be declared.
Records of donors available on the Electoral Commission website list a number of donations to Dr Fox but none of these date from after the 2010 election - a period when Mr Werritty is reported to have been an advisor to Dr Fox - and it is unclear whether these donations relate to money used for the employment of Adam Werritty. Additionally, Dr Fox's entry in the House of Commons Register of Members' Financial Interests makes no reference to Adam Werritty.
I would be grateful if you could investigate the matter. I look forward to hearing from you as soon as possible.
In the public interest I am releasing a copy of this letter to the media. I am also sending a copy to the Cabinet Secretary, Sir Gus O'Donnell.
Yours sincerely,
Anas Sarwar MP