ICO confirms John Edwards resignation

The ICO has today (19 June 2026) confirmed Information Commissioner John Edwards has resigned from his position. 

As a Crown appointee and accountable to Parliament, Mr Edwards submitted his resignation to the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT). 

Mr Edwards had voluntarily stepped back from his duties at the end of February to enable an independent workplace investigation. Since then, the ICO’s board and executive team have continued to lead the ICO to deliver our work. 

The independent workplace investigation relating to Mr Edwards reached findings for DSIT to consider. The investigation concluded that there was a case to answer and made clear that his behaviour fell short of the conduct expected from a public official. At the ICO, these standards are captured in our Dignity at Work Policy, our Code of Conduct and through the Nolan Principles of Public Life. 

As set out in our statement on 10 June, the board and the executive team will continue to lead the ICO, aligned to the scheme of delegation, to ensure continuity in our leadership and regulatory work.