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 taking legal action against a woman who flagged his conduct. The science and technology secretary, Liz Kendall, told the science, innovation and technology select committee on Wednesday that she was "appalled" by Edwards' decision to serve legal papers on one of the "incredibly brave" women at the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) who had raised concerns about his behaviour.
Details of the Allegations
Kendall revealed she had seen the "vulgar and highly sexualised language that was used in [Edwards'] interactions with his staff." Multiple women told the investigator they felt "offended, shocked and uncomfortable" after interactions with Edwards. The chair of the select committee, Chi Onwurah, called it a "very disturbing incident." Edwards resigned after the independent investigation upheld multiple allegations against him. The ICO said his conduct was "unacceptable" and fell well short of "the safe, respectful working environment" all staff deserve.
Government Response and ICO Review
Kendall said of the woman Edwards is taking legal action against: "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." The ICO declined to comment for legal reasons. Kendall also announced an independent review into the culture, accountability and governance of the ICO, and said she would soon announce a majority-women board of non-executive directors. She expressed concern that Edwards "continues to describe these incidents as misplaced humour, including on his social media post announcing his resignation." Edwards stated on LinkedIn that 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 said: "We do not accept sexual harassment, bullying or discrimination in any form." Edwards was approached for comment.
Social Media Curfews for Teens
Separately, Kendall said she will next week announce details of social media curfews for 16- and 17-year-olds, expected to run from midnight to 6am and come into force in early 2027, after the wider social media ban for under-16s. The measures would require social media companies to have the curfews on by default for users they understand to be 16 or 17. Further measures could include requirements for companies to set breaks in infinite scrolling mechanisms as a default on apps for that age group. Kendall conceded 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."
Disinformation Concerns
Kendall also predicted that the next big issue for the government, possibly under an Andy Burnham administration, will be tackling disinformation on social media and messaging services, exemplified by the spread of online disinformation about the knife attack in Belfast that triggered violence and anti-immigration protests. She said she asked the 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.
