ICO Backs Down Over Dame Alison Rose Privacy Breach Claim
ICO Apologises to Former NatWest Boss
The UK’s Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) has issued a public apology to Dame Alison Rose, ex-head of NatWest. Last month, the watchdog wrongly implied she breached privacy laws related to Nigel Farage’s controversial bank account closure.
Investigation Targeted NatWest, Not Dame Alison
The ICO clarified its probe actually focused on NatWest’s role as a data controller—not Dame Alison Rose personally. The earlier suggestion that she was under investigation was inaccurate.
Farage’s Account Closure Sparks Scandal
- Brexiteer Nigel Farage claimed Coutts, NatWest’s elite private bank, planned to shut his account without explanation.
- Reports said Farage no longer met Coutts’ wealth criteria.
- Farage secured a bank report claiming his political views influenced the closure decision.
Dame Alison Resigned Amid Backlash
The row forced Dame Alison Rose to quit in July after admitting she erred by discussing Farage’s banking details. Farage then filed a complaint with the ICO.
In response, the ICO admitted it failed to give Dame Alison a chance to comment before hinting at a privacy breach. The watchdog apologised and confirmed no evidence of wrongdoing by Dame Alison was found.
