Richard Thomas, the Information Commissioner, has never been one to bite his tongue over the Government’s proposed information-sensitive schemes such as identity cards.

On ID cards he has said: "The measures in relation to the National Identity Register and data trail of identity checks on individuals risk an unnecessary and disproportionate intrusion into individuals' privacy."

On CCTV, he said: "That may be a bridge too far; we are certainly not enthusiastic about that kind of approach."

And on the loss by HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) of the personal banking details of 25 million people, he said today: “We have been warning about these dangers for years.”

The 58-year-old believes that the lapse, which exposes millions of families to the risk of identity theft, is a “serious wake-up call” and wants new criminal penalties for those who recklessly ignore procedures.

Mr Thomas is the son of a magistrate and was sent from his hometown of Southend-on-Sea to board at a public school in Hertfordshire before going on to study law at Southampton University.

It was in Southampton, however, that he discovered his more rebellious side, turning from public school boy to left-wing student.

Early in his career, he took up the fight of disgruntled tenants against their landlords in the Notting Hill area of London, which was downtrodden at the time, as part of his work with the Citizens Advice Bureau.

He also held public affairs positions with the National Consumer Council and the Office of Fair Trading, pushing for consumer rights, and was involved in the Campaign for Freedom of Information.

During these years, he married Julia Clark, and the couple have three adult children.

Mr Thomas was reappointed to head the Information Commission in March this year after serving his original five-year term.

However, he does not intend to see out another five years, having requested that he do the job only until his 60th birthday in June 2009.

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