- Edwards has been instructed to return over £200,000
- Shah accused Edwards of "bad faith
- The scandal has prompted wider discussions
Former BBC newsreader Huw Edwards has been instructed to return over £200,000 of his salary earned after being arrested on child abuse image charges last November.
The BBC’s chair, Samir Shah, accused Edwards of “bad faith” for continuing to receive his high salary despite being aware of his actions.
Edwards remained employed by the BBC for five months after his arrest before resigning in April.
The broadcaster, once a highly respected figure, has been condemned by the BBC for “betraying the trust of staff and audiences.” Shah described Edwards as the “villain of the piece,” emphasizing the harm caused to the children exploited in the production of the images.
Edwards pleaded guilty in July to three counts of making indecent images of children.
The charges relate to 37 images shared on a WhatsApp group between 2020 and 2022.
The BBC has confirmed that it is considering legal action if Edwards refuses to repay the salary. The corporation has also announced a review of its payment policies for suspended employees.
Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy has publicly called for Edwards to return the money to the BBC.
The scandal has prompted wider discussions about power imbalances within the workplace.
