UK Information Commissioner Resigns After Workplace Investigation Finds Misconduct

John Edwards resigned as UK Information Commissioner on Friday after an independent workplace investigation concluded there was a case to answer and that his behaviour fell short of the conduct expected from a public official. Edwards had held the post since early 2022. He voluntarily stepped back from his duties at the end of February to allow the investigation to proceed.

The Information Commissioner's Office confirmed he resigned as both commissioner and chair, effective immediately, and submitted his resignation to the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology. In a statement, Edwards said he accepted there had been occasions where he exercised poor judgement and made attempts at humour that were inappropriate and caused offence.

He said he disagreed with how the investigation was carried out but accepted his position had become untenable and did not want to become a distraction from the ICO's work.

Science Secretary Liz Kendall said she had seen evidence of the vulgar and highly sexualised language used in Edwards' interactions with staff. She stated she was extremely concerned that Edwards continued to describe the incidents as misplaced humour.

In a LinkedIn post, Kendall wrote that multiple women shared testimony to the investigator about feeling offended, shocked and uncomfortable following interactions with Mr Edwards.

The ICO stated its board and executive team have led its work since Edwards stepped back at the end of February. On 10 June the office said the investigation had been completed and the commissioner would be temporarily unable to act for the remainder of the process. 5 million or 4% of worldwide turnover in the previous financial year, whichever is higher.