BBC reports that Huw Edwards resigns without financial settlement

Former BBC News presenter Huw Edwards quit his position at the broadcaster “abruptly and with no financial agreement” amid a confidential disciplinary process, the organization disclosed.

The seasoned broadcaster admitted to possessing indecent images of children earlier this week, and the BBC was aware of his arrest on “suspicion of serious offenses” in November 2023.

Last year, Edwards was identified as the BBC presenter involved in allegations of paying a minor for explicit photos and resigned from the BBC based on medical advice from his doctors.

Authorities found no proof of criminal behavior in this unrelated incident.

A BBC spokesperson stated: “In the matter of Huw Edwards, we thoroughly examined all concerns brought to our attention during a fact-finding disciplinary investigation, which informed a private disciplinary process.

“During this period, he opted to resign, doing so immediately—without notice or financial settlement.

“We acknowledge the challenges and confidentiality of this work, which can be frustrating for those who have come forward and shared their experiences, but we are deeply grateful to all who have done so and will always listen attentively to anyone raising concerns with us.”

The BBC reiterated its “confidence” in its processes.

This followed complaints from two whistleblowers, a current and a former BBC employee, who were disappointed that an internal inquiry into Edwards had not been publicized after alleging they received “inappropriate communications” from him.

Prior to his resignation, Edwards was the highest-paid newsreader at the broadcaster, earning between £475,000 and £479,999 for the year 2023/24, according to the BBC’s most recent annual report.

Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy urged the disgraced newsreader to “refund his salary” and requested the BBC to investigate the possibility of recovering an approximate £200,000, which Edwards earned from the time of his arrest until his departure.

Nandy informed Sky News that she has sought to review the employment law advice given to the BBC and called on the corporation’s director-general Tim Davie to address any “outstanding issues” and report back to her next week.

The minister also expressed her view on Edwards: “I believe he should refund his salary.

“I think it is inappropriate to continue receiving that salary until his resignation, given the serious charges brought against him back in November. It is not a responsible use of public funds.

Davie defended Edwards’ pay increase of £40,000 from 2022/23, when he earned between £435,000 and £439,999.

He explained to BBC News that the rise was due to an “inflationary adjustment” and work carried out by the broadcaster in February 2023 prior to any allegations being made.

The corporation stated it will explore all options to recoup payments from Edwards but ruled out pursuing his pension for legal reasons.

Clarifying the BBC’s decision not to disclose Edwards’ arrest, Davie stated the corporation was following police recommendations.

Meanwhile, Edwards is expected to lose the honorary degree he received from York St John University in 2019.

A statement from the university declared: “Following the legal proceedings on Wednesday, July 31, 2024, our Honorary Awards Committee has initiated the process to review Huw Edwards’ honorary degree for rescinding.”

In addition, a plaque at Cardiff Castle commemorating the opening of its Interpretation Center has been taken down, along with an audio guide featuring Edwards’ voice.

A spokesperson for Cardiff Council mentioned: “The plaque at the Cardiff Castle Interpretation Center has been removed, and the audio guide has been discontinued. Cardiff Council is exploring replacement narration options.”

Edwards is scheduled to appear in court on September 16.