MPs endorse Sir Ian Cheshire as Ofcom chair
May 22, 2026 10.47 Europe/London By Julian Clover


MPs have endorsed Sir Ian Cheshire as the government’s preferred candidate to become the new chair of Ofcom.

The Science, Innovation and Technology Committee approved the appointment following a pre-appointment hearing on May 20.

During the session, MPs questioned Sir Ian on his experience, motivation for the role, priorities for Ofcom and the challenges facing the regulator.

Committee chair Dame Chi Onwurah said Ofcom needed “strong, capable and proactive leadership” as it handles complex issues including online safety.

She said the committee was satisfied Sir Ian had the skills and experience required, but urged him to prioritise improving his knowledge of the UK online safety landscape.

The committee said this would be important in representing Ofcom in discussions with global technology companies and enforcing the Online Safety Act.

Sir Ian told MPs he would identify metrics to evaluate his own performance by the end of his first year in office. The committee said it hoped to receive these within 6 months.