The culture secretary has said former BBC newsreader Huw Edwards should return his salary after he admitted accessing indecent images of children.

Edwards was paid £200,000 after he was arrested in November while he was suspended by the broadcaster up until he resigned in April on medical advice.

On Wednesday, the 62-year-old BBC veteran pleaded guilty to three counts of making indecent images of children.

Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy told Sky News at the Paris Olympics on Friday: “I think he ought to return his salary.

“I think having been arrested on such serious charges all the way back in November, to continue to receive that salary all the way through until he resigned is wrong and it’s not a good use of taxpayers’ money.

“I think most people in the country will agree with that but whether he does that or not is up to him.”

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Tim Davie, director general of the BBC, said on Thursday the corporation was aware of Edwards’ arrest and the charges when it happened.

He faced questions over why Edwards was not sacked then and why he continued to receive his salary – the highest of anybody at BBC News.

Ms Nandy added: “My concern is to make sure that not only are we getting the decision right in this case but we’re futureproofing the BBC so that when people come forward with concerns, when decisions like this have to be made we’re open and transparent and we’re fair and we use taxpayers money appropriately.

“This is something that matters to the director general of the BBC and it’s my job to make sure we get there.”

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