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Kendall Appointed Ofcom Chair Amid Controversy

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  Published in Politics and Government on Wednesday, January 14th 2026 at 11:25 GMT by The Independent

London, Wednesday, January 14th, 2026 - Liz Kendall, the Shadow Commons Leader, has been officially appointed as the new Chair of Ofcom, the UK's independent communications regulator. While the appointment was formally announced by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and is slated to commence in the spring, it hasn't been without significant controversy and a rising chorus of concerns centered around her prior involvement with the Labour Party's data unit.

Ofcom, tasked with regulating broadcasting, postal services, and telecommunications, plays a crucial role in ensuring a fair and competitive media landscape and safeguarding public interests. The Chair's position holds considerable power, shaping policy and influencing decisions that impact millions of Britons. Therefore, the requirement for impartiality and a demonstrable lack of bias is paramount.

The Data Unit Controversy: A Shadow Over the Appointment

The core of the controversy stems from Ms. Kendall's previous role within Labour's data analytics and targeting unit. Several years ago, this unit came under intense scrutiny following allegations that it engaged in practices that potentially exploited vulnerable voters during election campaigns. While no formal legal charges were ever brought, the investigation raised serious questions about the ethical boundaries of political data usage. Critics allege that her direct involvement in this unit compromises her ability to act as an impartial regulator, particularly given Labour's vested interests in the media landscape.

Conservative MPs have been particularly vocal in their criticism, arguing that Ms. Kendall's past association with these controversial data practices creates an inherent conflict of interest. They contend that her understanding of - and potential sympathies for - strategies used to influence public opinion could prejudice her judgment when making decisions related to media impartiality and fairness.

"This is a deeply concerning appointment," stated Conservative MP Eleanor Vance in a press release. "The Chair of Ofcom must be beyond reproach, utterly impartial. Ms. Kendall's history with Labour's data unit casts a significant shadow over her suitability for this vital role."

Kendall's Defense and the Selection Process

Ms. Kendall has consistently defended her involvement, asserting that all work conducted within the Labour data unit adhered to both legal and ethical guidelines. She maintains that her role was focused on understanding voter behavior to better communicate Labour's policies, and that no illegal or unethical practices were employed.

"My work was undertaken within the law and with the highest ethical standards," Kendall stated in a recent interview. "I am committed to upholding the impartiality and independence of Ofcom and believe I can do so effectively."

The selection process itself was reportedly lengthy and involved a rigorous assessment of numerous candidates. The appointment panel, comprised of government officials and independent advisors, faced the difficult task of balancing the need for experienced leadership with the imperative of ensuring public trust and confidence in the regulator. While the Prime Minister ultimately endorsed the appointment, the lingering controversy suggests that the selection was not without internal debate and compromise.

Implications for Ofcom and the Future of Media Regulation

This appointment arrives at a critical juncture for Ofcom. The regulatory landscape is undergoing rapid transformation, driven by the proliferation of online platforms, the rise of artificial intelligence, and evolving concerns about misinformation and disinformation. Ofcom is currently grappling with complex challenges, including regulating streaming services, addressing online hate speech, and ensuring the sustainability of public service broadcasting.

Ms. Kendall's leadership will be under intense scrutiny, particularly regarding decisions relating to broadcasters perceived to have political leanings. The challenge for her will be to demonstrate unequivocally that she can set aside any potential biases and act solely in the public interest. Any perceived favouritism or lack of impartiality could undermine the credibility of Ofcom and erode public trust in the media regulatory system. Furthermore, the controversy highlights the increasing pressure on those appointed to high-profile public service roles, where past affiliations and professional history are subject to intense and prolonged examination.

The appointment of Liz Kendall represents a significant shift in leadership at Ofcom and one that will be closely watched in the coming months and years. The long-term impact will depend largely on her ability to navigate the complexities of the role and address the legitimate concerns raised about her suitability.