John Edwards has resigned as information commissioner following an investigation into his conduct.
In a statement, Edwards said: “Since February of this year I have been the subject of an investigation. While I have not agreed with how that investigation has been conducted, I accept that my position has become untenable.
“From the time the investigation was launched, I have accepted that there have been occasions where I exercised poor judgement and made attempts at humour that were inappropriate and caused offence.
“It is for this reason that I have decided it is appropriate that I resign from my position. I do not wish to be a distraction to the ICO’s important work.”
The ICO said last week that the independent workplace investigation into Edwards’ conduct had concluded and found there was “a case to answer” and that the next steps would be determined by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology.
The commissioner voluntarily stepped back from his duties on 26 February to enable the probe to take place. The ICO’s chief executive and deputy commissioner Paul Arnold has taken on Edwards’ responsibilities in his absence.
In a statement last week, following the conclusion of the investigation, Arnold said: “Throughout this complex and unprecedented situation, our priority has been to provide a safe and supportive environment for our staff that enables them to carry out their important regulatory work. I’ve been enormously proud of the professional way in which our work has continued across the past months, and the steps we have taken today will ensure that continues to happen.”