John Edwards, the former UK information commissioner who resigned in June after an independent investigation into sexual harassment and bullying claims, is understood to be preparing to serve legal papers on one of the women at the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) who raised concerns about his behaviour.
Minister expresses outrage
Science and technology secretary Liz Kendall told the science, innovation and technology select committee on Wednesday that she was “appalled” by Edwards’ actions. She said the woman who reported her concerns supported the independent investigation that upheld multiple allegations against Edwards. “By reporting her concerns, she supported the independent investigation that upheld multiple allegations made against him. And I have reached out, as best I can, and said they need to know that they will always be listened to without being put at personal risk. Quite frankly, I’m appalled by that behaviour,” Kendall said.
Details of misconduct
Kendall revealed she had seen the “vulgar and highly sexualised language that was used in [Edwards’] interactions with his staff”. She previously stated that several women told the investigator they felt “offended, shocked and uncomfortable” after interactions with Edwards. The chair of the select committee, Chi Onwurah, described it as a “very disturbing incident”.
The ICO, the UK’s independent regulator for data protection and information rights, said Edwards’ conduct was “unacceptable” and fell well short of “the safe, respectful working environment” all staff deserve. The ICO declined to comment further for legal reasons.
Edwards’ response
In his resignation announcement on LinkedIn, Edwards said he “accepted that there have been occasions where I exercised poor judgement and made attempts at humour that were inappropriate and caused offence”. The ICO stated: “We do not accept sexual harassment, bullying or discrimination in any form.” Edwards was approached for comment but did not respond.
ICO governance review
Kendall also announced an independent review into the culture, accountability and governance of the ICO, and said she would soon appoint a majority-women board of non-executive directors. She expressed concern that Edwards continues to describe the incidents as “misplaced humour”, including in his social media post announcing his resignation.
Social media curfews for teens
Separately, Kendall said she will next week announce details of social media curfews for 16- and 17-year-olds, starting at midnight and ending at 6am, expected to come into force in early 2027 after the wider social media ban for under-16s. The measures will require social media companies to have curfews on by default for users they understand to be 16 or 17. Further protections could include requirements for companies to set breaks in infinite scrolling mechanisms as a default on apps for that age group.
Kendall acknowledged that some children will circumvent the restrictions. “There will be kids on those sites. We know from Australia, when they brought a ban in, the kids will try and get round it and succeed … For me, it is probably even more about future generations that we’re putting the ban in place to change social norms and cultural expectations,” she said.
Disinformation concerns
Kendall also predicted that the next major issue for the government will be tackling disinformation on social media and messaging services, citing the spread of online disinformation about a knife attack in Belfast that triggered violence and anti-immigration protests. She has asked Ofcom chair Ian Cheshire to conduct an urgent review of the media regulator’s “capabilities, experience, skill, priorities, focus, to see whether what they have in place is fit for purpose”. Ofcom is expected to report back in the autumn.
