Committee publication · Correspondence · 24 June 2026
Correspondence from Secretary of State, re: Resignation of Information Commissioner, 19 June
Summary
Secretary of State Liz Kendall informs the Science, Innovation and Technology Committee of John Edwards's resignation as Information Commissioner on 19 June 2026, following an independent investigation that upheld multiple allegations of inappropriate conduct. Kendall expresses concern that Edwards has minimised the seriousness of vulgar and sexualised language used toward staff, and confirms deputy commissioners will maintain regulatory continuity pending a replacement search.
Key findings
- John Edwards, Information Commissioner and Chair of the Information Commission, resigned on 19 June 2026 following an independent investigation upholding multiple allegations against him
- Investigation found evidence of vulgar and highly sexualised language used by Edwards in staff interactions, with multiple women testifying they felt offended, shocked and uncomfortable
- Edwards has described the incidents as 'misplaced humour' on social media and in his resignation announcement, which the Secretary of State characterises as failing to recognise the seriousness of the conduct
- Deputy Commissioners are empowered by law to undertake regulator functions and ensure continuity of leadership during the transition period
- DSIT will undertake a replacement process and is advancing work on transition to the Information Commission under the Data (Use and Access) Act 2025
Tone
CriticalTopics
public-appointmentsworkplace-conductdata-regulationinformation-governance
Key actors
John Edwards, Liz Kendall, Dame Chi Onwurah, Information Commissioner's Office, Department for Science, Innovation and Technology
Notable line
“… such conduct does not belong in the workplace, least of all exhibited by the leader of an organisation.”
Key Quotes
“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”
“Multiple women shared testimony to the investigator on feeling offended, shocked and uncomfortable following interactions with Mr Edwards.”
“The government expects the highest standards of conduct from those in senior public roles and Mr Edwards has clearly fallen short of these expectations .”
Source · parliament.uk record ↗