Sir John Goldring Retires as Deputy Investigatory Powers Commissioner
Sir Brian Leveson, Investigatory Powers Commissioner, announces the retirement of Sir John Goldring as Deputy Investigatory Powers Commissioner. Sir John has served IPCO since 2017, making an outstanding contribution to independent oversight of investigatory powers. At Sir Brian’s request, he extended his tenure to lead the independent investigation into the Agent X investigation, with his report submitted to the Prime Minister this month.
Sir Brian has appointed Lord Hughes and Sir Peter Gross as Deputy Investigatory Powers Commissioners under the Investigatory Powers (Amendment) Act 2024. Both currently serve as Judicial Commissioners at IPCO, bringing established knowledge of the organisation’s work to their new roles. The Deputy IPCs support the Commissioner across IPCO’s statutory oversight functions and can act in his absence to ensure continuity and resilience.
Sir Brian said: “Sir John has given exceptional service to IPCO since its very beginning in 2017, and I am deeply grateful for his commitment and dedication. I wish him a happy and well-earned retirement. I am delighted to welcome Lord Hughes and Sir Peter Gross as Deputy IPCs. Their deep familiarity with IPCO’s work makes them ideally placed to support our oversight functions.”
ENDS
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Notes to Editors:
- The Investigatory Powers Commissioner’s Office (IPCO) provides independent oversight of the use of investigatory powers by public authorities under the Investigatory Powers Act 2016.
- Sir John Goldring was formally appointed as Deputy Investigatory Powers Commissioner on 30 October 2024, having served in the role since IPCO’s establishment in 2017.
- Lord Hughes and Sir Peter Gross are currently serving as Judicial Commissioners at IPCO. They have been appointed as Deputy Investigatory Powers Commissioners under the Investigatory Powers (Amendment) Act 2024.
- The Deputy Investigatory Powers Commissioner supports the Commissioner across IPCO’s statutory oversight functions and may act in the Commissioner’s absence.
- The report of Sir John Goldring’s independent investigation into the Agent X case is available at www.ipco.org.uk.