Government watchdog gives up post

The UK government's information commissioner, Elizabeth France has decided not to reapply for her post when it becomes open to new applicants later this year.

The post of information commissioner goes under review every four years and will be re-advertised in two weeks time.

Mrs France has held the post - originally called data protection registrar - for the last seven years.

According to reports in the UK national press, Mrs France is dissatisfied with Home Secretary David Blunkett's attempts to beef up anti-terrorism laws to strengthen police powers to monitor personal emails.

Mrs France is also thought to be disappointed with delays in the enforcement of the Data Protection Act, which will not go through until after the next term of office.

A spokeswoman for the commission had no comment to make on the allegations, but did say that Mrs France had only planned on serving in the post for two full terms.