Mr Fox and his new friends are all focused on the next likely referendum.

ECONOMIST: Referendums

The prime minister is very careful to refer to Mr Fox and his wife as friends and to say that he wishes to carry on getting their advice.

BBC: Liam Fox: Gone but not forgotten?

After Powell's announcement, McCain told FOX News he considered Powell and himself "longtime friends" and that he respected him, but that the endorsement of his rival did not come as a surprise.

CNN: Analysts: Powell endorsement more a rejection of GOP, McCain