UK’s information commissioner quits after misconduct investigation

The UK Information Commissioner, John Edwards, has resigned with immediate effect after an independent investigation that upheld several complaints against him.

On Friday, the privacy watchdog head said on LinkedIn that he had tendered his resignation to the minister of state for digital, government and data following an investigation that made his position “untenable”.

The investigation began in February, at which time Edwards stepped back from his role to allow the investigation to be conducted.

In his post, Edwards added that while he did not agree with how the investigation was conducted, he has accepted that “there have been occasions where I exercised poor judgement and made attempts at humour that were inappropriate and caused offence”.

Liz Kendall, head of the department for science, innovation and technology (DSIT), has disputed that characterisation, saying on the professional social networking app that “I have seen evidence of the vulgar and highly sexualised language that was used in his interactions with his staff and am extremely concerned that he continues to describe these incidents as misplaced humour”.

She added that multiple women shared testimony to the investor on feeling offended, shocked and uncomfortable following interactions with Edwards.

The Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) itself said after Kendall’s statement that Edwards’ actions were completely at odds with its values, and thanked colleagues for their professionalism, particularly those who “courageously” shared their experiences.

The ICO will continue to operate under the supervision of deputy commissioner and chief executive Paul Arnold until the next steps are decided by DSIT, as the Information Commissioner is accountable to parliament and not employed by the ICO directly.