Angela Rayner has said the BBC needs to address how it handles complaints against employees, describing the scandal involving its highest-paid news presenter Huw Edwards as an “absolute tragic situation”.

The Labour deputy leader said questions have been raised over the corporation procedures amid scrutiny over how it dealt with allegations Edwards sent cash to a vulnerable young person in exchange for explicit pictures.

On Wednesday, Vicky Flind, the wife of the BBC News presenter, released a statement on his behalf confirming Edwards was first informed of the claims last Thursday, seven weeks after the BBC received initial contact from parents of the young person.

Speaking to Times Radio, Ms Rayner said: “It’s right that the BBC look at their processes, and see if their complaints process works properly. Because people have to have confidence in those processes, that they can come forward if there’s issues in the workplace, and that there’s policies and procedures that will deal with it there.

“Every workplace in the country has policies and procedures that deal with these issues.

“The problem is, whether people have confidence to come forward, and when they do come forward, are they going to be treated fairly? And are they going to get the issues dealt with swiftly? And I think that’s the question, are the BBCs policies and procedures correct and are they being applied in the correct manner as well?”