Barry Tomes, the publicist representing disgraced former BBC newsreader Huw Edwards, has made a sardonic remark regarding the BBC's decision to terminate Radio 2 DJ Scott Mills' contract. Tomes quipped that Mills was likely sacked for addressing a junior staff member as "love," commenting, "This is the world we live in."
Mills' Dismissal and Police Investigation
Scott Mills, host of the Radio 2 Breakfast Show, was removed from air last Tuesday, with his contract officially terminated due to "personal conduct" issues. The Daily Mirror reports that this dismissal followed a 2016 police investigation into allegations of serious sexual offences involving a teenage boy under the age of 16 at the time.
Scotland Yard confirmed that detectives submitted a file to the Crown Prosecution Service, which declined to pursue charges citing insufficient evidence. The investigation was subsequently closed in 2019. A Metropolitan Police spokesperson detailed that the inquiry began in December 2016 after a referral from another force, relating to incidents alleged to have occurred between 1997 and 2000.
Tomes' Facebook Post and Representation
Prior to the Mirror's report and the police statement, Barry Tomes took to Facebook to address inquiries about Mills' case. He posted a photograph of himself with Mills but clarified, "Please people stop contacting me I have no idea why Scott Mills was sacked by the BBC. Yes that is me with Mills but I am not a consultant for ex BBC employees."
In a seemingly tongue-in-cheek assessment, Tomes speculated, "My guess he said 'thanks love' when a runner gave him a cup of coffee. That person is now off sick with anxiety. This is the world we live in." Tomes, known for representing Deirdre 'White Dee' Kelly from Benefits Street, emphasised that he is not acting for Mills, given his current work with Huw Edwards.
Context of BBC Scandals
Mills' sacking has sent shockwaves through BBC staff and listeners, marking another high-profile departure from the broadcaster. His exit follows those of news anchor Huw Edwards and MasterChef presenters Gregg Wallace and John Torode over the past two years. It is believed that director-general Tim Davie oversaw this firing as one of his final actions before stepping down on Thursday, aiming to "clear the decks."
Huw Edwards' Case and Tomes' Role
Barry Tomes recently appeared on Good Morning Britain, where he faced intense questioning from former Labour MP Ed Balls and co-host Susanna Reid. The discussion centred on the Channel 5 docu-drama Power: The Downfall Of Huw Edwards, starring Martin Clunes, which aired on Tuesday evening. Huw Edwards, 64, a veteran BBC News at Ten presenter, pleaded guilty in July 2024 to making indecent images of children.
Tomes explained that he approached Edwards pro bono six months ago, seeking to "find out why this happened" and understand the psychological factors behind such actions. He stated, "I'm looking for the black box. That's why I am here. I want to find out why this happened. He's not the first famous man to have these issues. There will be more. Unless we can figure out why."
During the interview, Ed Balls challenged Tomes, accusing him of "promoting a paedophile and using bad mental health as an excuse for his crimes." Tomes defended his position, asserting that he aims to uncover the truth independently, even if it reflects negatively on Edwards. He also addressed Edwards' statement regarding the documentary, which described his interactions as "shameless, reckless and damaging," and touched on whether Edwards should repay his £200,000 BBC salary, stating he would not do so personally.
Martin Clunes on the Drama
Martin Clunes, who portrays Huw Edwards in the Channel 5 drama, appeared on Good Morning Britain to discuss the production. He acknowledged Edwards' criticism of the programme's fact-checking but remarked on the cyclical nature of media scrutiny, saying, "The word power is everything. There is a weird circulatory [nature] to this, because I appreciate he's upset by the fact that we've made this programme... But he would have reported on other downfalls. Other people's disgrace, without a second thought, it goes round and round, doesn't it? The media thing."
A representative for Scott Mills declined to comment when approached by the Daily Mail, leaving the BBC's internal handling of the matter under further scrutiny as the corporation navigates ongoing reputational challenges.
