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Mother of Tyson Fury-row BBC journalist tells of her pride

Pauline Morris has said she supports her son, Andy West. Photo by MK News
Pauline Morris has said she supports her son, Andy West. Photo by MK News Pauline Morris has said she supports her son, Andy West. Photo by MK News

THE mother of a BBC Northern Ireland journalist who was suspended for criticising the broadcaster's decision to keep boxer Tyson Fury on the shortlist for BBC Sports Personality of the Year has spoken of her pride in her son.

Pauline Morris praised her son, Andy West, for "standing his ground" after he wrote on his Facebook page that he was "ashamed" to work for the corporation after Fury's nomination was announced.

The Belfast-based reporter, who is gay, tweeted news of his suspension last week, saying: "I can't say more but, as of yesterday, I am suspended by the BBC pending investigation. I made my bed now I have time to lie in it!

"My employer is hurting me and other gay people by celebrating someone who considers me no better than a paedophile and who believes homosexual people are helping to bring about the end of the world."

In an interview with the Milton Keynes based MK News, Mrs Morris said her family are "totally behind" the 33-year-old.

Greater Manchester Police said while Fury's comments had been recorded as a "hate incident", it was taking no further action.

More than 131,000 people went on to sign a petition calling on the BBC to remove the boxer from the award shortlist. The event will take place in Belfast this Sunday.

It is understood that Mr West, who is from Newport Pagnell, also wrote a letter to BBC’s director general Tony Hall.

The reporter's mother said he is feeling "quite stressed" and does not know about his job future.

"All I would say to Andy is to do what's true to himself. He must do what he thinks is true to himself and I would stand by him," she said.

"He doesn't want to lose his job and I don’t want him to. But I'm proud of him for standing his ground.

"We have always supported him. His older brother has said he's totally behind him and my husband, his stepdad. is behind him. His other brother has written to the BBC in his support as well.

"I believe that whatever comes from this will be the right thing either way. It's what I’d call an ill wind".