Lord Fulford appointed first Investigatory Powers Commissioner

Prime Minister Theresa May has approved the appointment of Lord Justice Fulford, 64, as the first Investigatory Powers Commissioner for a three-year term. Lord Justice Fulford will take up the appointment with immediate effect.

The post is promised in the Investigatory Powers Act as a fetter on the security services’ powers.

Ms May said: “I’m pleased to announce the appointment of Lord Justice Fulford as the first Investigatory Powers Commissioner.

“He brings a wealth of experience in the judiciary and expertise in matters of law which will be crucial to his vital role scrutinising the use of investigatory powers, as part of a world-leading oversight regime.”

The Rt Hon Sir Adrian Fulford qualified as a barrister in 1978 and took silk in 1994. From 1 January 2016 he became the Senior Presiding Judge for England and Wales.

Whilst holding the appointment as the Investigatory Powers Commissioner, Sir Adrian will remain a Judge of the Court of Appeal.