In a LinkedIn post on Friday morning, Edwards revealed he had notified Ian Murray, the minister for digital government and data, of his resignation, which has taken immediate effect.
“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,” Edwards said in the statement. “It is for this reason that I have decided that it is appropriate that I resign from my position.”
Edwards announced in April, following inquiries by POLITICO, that he had voluntarily stepped back from his duties at the ICO on Feb. 26 amid an investigation. He continued to draw his annual salary.
Edwards was expected to step down from his roles later this year as part of a wider restructure of the regulator under the Data (Use and Access) Act. He previously served as New Zealand Privacy Commissioner from 2014 to 2021.
A DSIT spokesperson said: “The government expects the highest standards of conduct from all senior leaders in public life. Mr Edwards has acknowledged that his conduct fell below these standards. Arrangements are set out in law for the Deputy Commissioners to undertake the functions of the regulator and ensure continuity of leadership.”
In a statement posted on its website, the Information Commissioner’s Office said its “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.”
Edwards did not respond to a request for further comment.
Update: This story has been updated to include the statements from DSIT and the ICO.
