Former UK information commissioner taking legal action against woman who flagged his conduct

John Edwards is understood to be preparing to serve legal papers on one of the women at the ICO who raised concerns about his behaviour. Photograph: Christopher Thomond/The Guardian View image in fullscreen John Edwards is understood to be preparing to serve legal papers on one of the women at the ICO who raised concerns about his behaviour. Photograph: Christopher Thomond/The Guardian Former UK information commissioner taking legal action against woman who flagged his conduct John Edwards resigned in June after independent investigation following claims of sexual harassment and bullying The UK information commissioner who resigned over 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 , said she was “appalled” by the fact that John Edwards was preparing to serve legal papers on one of the “incredibly brave” women at the ICO who raised concerns about his behaviour. Edwards resigned from his post as the UK’s data regulator in June after an independent investigation. Kendall told the science, innovation and technology select committee on Wednesday she had seen the “vulgar and highly sexualised language that was used in [Edwards’] interactions with his staff”. She previously said 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”. The ICO is the UK’s independent regulator for data protection and information rights with responsibility for policing freedom of information, electronic marketing and data security. It said Edwards’ conduct was “unacceptable” and fell well short of “the safe, respectful working environment” all staff deserve. Kendall said of the woman Edwards is said to be 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 said it could not 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 said she was “extremely concerned that [Edwards] continues to describe these incidents as misplaced humour, including on his social media post announcing his resignation.” Edwards said 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.” Announcing his resignation, the ICO said: “We do not accept sexual harassment, bullying or discrimination in any form.” Edwards was approached for comment. Meanwhile, Kendall said she