Public Interest News Journalists: 15: Fran Way, Oxford Mail

Fran Way exposed the Thames Valley police commissioner’s use of his work email for improper purposes.

Anthony Stansfeld used his work email to warn a man who refused to give up computer hard drives to Michelle Young, the ex-wife of a billionaire Scottish property developer, Scott Young, who died.

The case had nothing to do with Thames Valley Police.

“It was a great story and thoroughly researched,” said one nomination.

“Fran’s story on TVP’s commissioner has definitely influenced the way people think about the political nature of the job and I would hope, has made them think about their stake in it: they can vote for the person they want in that role.”

But it’s far from the only public interest story Fran was nominated for.

Recently, she has also brought to light how students at Oxford Brookes’ university have been holding huge parties despite coronavirus restrictions, thanks to good contacts she holds. The story has since gone national.

A nomination said: “Fran’s coverage of Brookes’ coronavirus parties has exposed a flaw in the system which appeared so neatly laid out for the return to ‘normality’ as summer ended. We’re far from at any point of normal: We are still in this pandemic.”