Huw Edwards resigned from BBC during disciplinary process

Meanwhile, Mr Davie defended Edwards’ pay rise of £40,000 compared with 2022/23, when he was paid between £435,000 and £439,999.

He told BBC News it was made up of an “inflationary increase” and work the veteran broadcaster did at the corporation in February 2023 before any allegations were made.

Mr Davie said the corporation will “look at all options” in trying to reclaim pay from Edwards, but ruled out doing the same for his pension due to legal reasons.

Explaining the BBC’s decision not to go public with Edwards’ arrest, he said it was following police advice.

The BBC chief maintained that as Edwards remained suspended before his resignation, there were no issues relating to BBC employees’ safety.

While he knew the severity of the charges, Mr Davie said he was “very shocked” and found the specific evidence against Edwards “deeply disturbing”.

If he had been charged while he was still an employee the BBC would have sacked him, the corporation previously said.

The Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) said that Ms Nandy is “like the whole nation, shocked by Huw Edwards’ abhorrent actions, and her thoughts are with the victims whose lives have been destroyed”.

She added it is up to the “judiciary to decide on an appropriate sentence”.

Edwards looks set to be stripped of the honorary degree he received from York St John University in 2019.

A statement from the university said: “In light of the outcome of legal proceedings on Wednesday July 31 2024, our Honorary Awards Committee has begun the process to review Huw Edwards’ honorary degree with a recommendation that it is rescinded.”

Elsewhere, a plaque at Cardiff Castle commemorating the opening of its Interpretation Centre has also been removed, along with an audio guide featuring Edwards’ voice.

A spokesperson for Cardiff Council said: “The plaque on the Cardiff Castle Interpretation Centre has been removed and the audio guide discontinued. Cardiff Council is looking at options for a replacement narration.”

Edwards will next appear in court on September 16.

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