ASA boss set to be data watchdog

Mr Graham has been at the ASA nine years

Advertising Standards Authority boss Christopher Graham is in line to take over as information commissioner.

Justice Secretary Jack Straw has recommended him to replace Richard Thomas, who retires on 30 June.

The appointment has to be vetted by the Commons justice committee but Mr Graham said he was keen to take on the task.

Mr Thomas has dealt with issues ranging from MPs' expenses to Whitehall data security in his six years as information commissioner.

Former BBC journalist Mr Graham has been director general of the ASA since April 2000.

New challenge

Mr Graham, 58 said it had been "one of the best jobs in the world" but it was time for someone else to take it forward.

"Meanwhile the information commissioner is so much at the centre of debates on information security, privacy, better government and the right to know that I am keen to take on this new challenge," he said.

Mr Thomas has been information commissioner since November 2002 and has a range of responsibilities, including ruling on Freedom of Information cases.

He has also had to respond to several high-profile data security lapses - including the loss of two computers discs containing personal details of all families in the UK with a child under 16.

He has also warned that fears Britain would "sleep walk into a surveillance society" had become a reality.

Mr Thomas will give evidence on changes to the role of information commissioner to the justice committee later on Tuesday.