Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy has called for former BBC newsreader Huw Edwards to return his salary after admitting to having indecent images of children. Nandy urged the BBC to investigate whether they can recoup the estimated £200,000 Edwards earned from the time of his arrest in November until his resignation five months later. Edwards confessed to making indecent photographs, with seven of the 41 images being of the most serious type, and the BBC acknowledged they were aware of his arrest at the time.
Nandy expressed her concerns about the BBC’s handling of the situation and emphasized the need for the corporation to address outstanding issues. She mentioned that she has requested to see the employment law advice given to the BBC and urged director-general Tim Davie to provide answers to the questions raised. Nandy believes that receiving a salary while facing serious charges and being arrested was not a good use of taxpayers’ money, and she called for Edwards to return the money he received during that period.
During a meeting with Davie, Nandy discussed the importance of futureproofing the BBC to ensure that whistleblowers are taken seriously and complaints are properly investigated. She highlighted the need for transparency and accountability within the organization. Nandy also raised concerns about the contractual arrangements at the BBC and questioned whether it was appropriate for individuals to continue receiving full pay, especially after being arrested.
Two whistleblowers came forward with allegations of receiving inappropriate messages from Edwards, expressing disappointment that an internal inquiry had not been made public. Before his resignation in April, Edwards was the highest-paid newsreader at the BBC, earning between £475,000 and £479,999 for the year 2023/24. Davie defended Edwards’ pay rise, attributing it to an inflationary increase and work done by the veteran broadcaster before any allegations were made.
The BBC is exploring options to reclaim pay from Edwards but ruled out taking action regarding his pension due to legal reasons. Davie explained that the decision not to make Edwards’ arrest public was based on police advice and considerations of precedent. Despite the severity of the charges, Davie stated that there were no safety concerns related to BBC employees while Edwards was suspended.
Edwards is set to appear in court on September 16, and it is likely that he will be stripped of the honorary degree he received from York St John University in 2019. The university is reviewing the honorary degree with a recommendation for it to be rescinded in light of the legal proceedings. Additionally, a plaque at Cardiff Castle and an audio guide featuring Edwards’ voice have been removed, with Cardiff Council looking into options for a replacement narration.
In conclusion, the situation involving Huw Edwards has raised significant concerns about the BBC’s handling of the matter, highlighting the need for transparency, accountability, and proper investigation of complaints within the organization. Lisa Nandy’s calls for Edwards to return his salary reflect the public’s expectations of responsible use of taxpayers’ money and appropriate actions in cases of serious allegations. The ongoing developments in this case underscore the importance of addressing misconduct and ensuring that individuals are held accountable for their actions.