Government names preferred candidate for next Information Commissioner

The Government has named Elizabeth Denham, the Information and Privacy Commissioner in British Columbia, Canada, as its preferred candidate to be the UK’s next Information Commissioner.

Denham is set to take over from Christopher Graham, who has been Information Commissioner since June 2009. Under the terms of the Protection of Freedoms Act 2012 he could not be reappointed.

Denham’s appointment – for a five-year term – is subject to a pre-scrutiny hearing by the Culture, Media and Sports Select Committee and final approval from the Queen.

John Whittingdale, Secretary of State for Culture Media and Sport, said: “I am delighted to put forward Elizabeth Denham as the UK’s next Information Commissioner. She brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the role having been British Columbia’s Information and Privacy Commissioner for the past six years.”

Denham said: “I am honoured to be nominated for the position of Information Commissioner for the UK. I believe the rapid pace of technological change we face will continue to accelerate and present challenges to information rights – we must ensure access to information while maintaining high standards of data protection. The Information Commissioner’s Office has a global reputation for practical, innovative and responsive regulation. I look forward to contributing to this work.”

Outgoing Information Commissioner Christopher Graham said: “Elizabeth Denham is an inspired choice for Information Commissioner. As commissioner for both privacy and access to information in a similar jurisdiction, Elizabeth has shown independence of judgement and toughness of character. She will be a great leader for the ICO as it adapts to the demands of the new data protection framework - and she'll be an effective upholder of information rights both in the UK and internationally.”