Scarlet Howes – The Fearless US Editor of The Sun Who Redefined Modern Investigative Journalism
Who Is Scarlet Howes?
Scarlet Howes is an award-winning investigative journalist and the current US Editor of The Sun newspaper. Based in New York, she represents one of Britain’s most formidable new-generation reporters, recognised for her uncompromising investigations, international coverage, and fearless pursuit of truth. Her journey from Lambeth College in London to the top ranks of global tabloid journalism stands as a powerful example of skill, integrity, and persistence in a rapidly evolving media landscape.
Scarlet Howes has covered some of the most defining stories of recent years — from royal events to political scandals, and from BBC controversies to global protests. Her ability to break exclusive stories and set national agendas has positioned her as one of the most influential voices in British journalism today.
Early Life and Education of Scarlet Howes
Born and raised in London, England, Scarlet Howes began her path in journalism with an education rooted in real-world training and editorial precision. She attended Lambeth College, where she achieved the NCTJ Gold Standard Qualification between 2015 and 2016 — a certification reserved for the UK’s most competent young journalists.
This early professional foundation provided Scarlet Howes with the ethical grounding and technical skill that would soon define her reporting career. Her dedication to high standards in media ethics and storytelling helped her gain entry into several major British newsrooms within just a few years.
The Early Career Journey of Scarlet Howes
The Start at Archant
Scarlet Howes began her professional career in 2016 as a Reporter at the Hampstead & Highgate Express under Archant Media. Her time there developed her instinct for human-interest stories, local investigations, and attention to factual depth.
Transition to National News Agencies
In 2016, she joined Talk to the Press (SWNS) as a News Reporter, where she was nominated for New Reporter of the Year and Best News Scoop at the National Agency Press Awards (NAPAs). These early recognitions highlighted her growing reputation for tenacity and accuracy.
After a short but successful period at Ferrari Press Agency, Scarlet Howes moved into national reporting — a shift that would soon place her at the centre of some of the UK’s most headline-making stories.
Rise to National Prominence
Sunday Mirror and Reach PLC
From 2018 to 2020, Scarlet Howes worked at the Sunday Mirror under Reach PLC. During this time, she was nominated as New Reporter of the Year at the British Journalism Awards, with shortlisted stories that included:
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Taking Lord Dubs back to Calais to meet forgotten refugee children.
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Exposing a cop-killer who was returned to prison.
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Securing the first-ever interview with comedian Freddie Starr’s abandoned daughter.
These pieces demonstrated Scarlet Howes’s capacity to balance empathy with exposure — hallmarks of a journalist determined to give voice to those unheard.
The Mail on Sunday: Building Influence
Between 2020 and 2022, Scarlet Howes joined The Mail on Sunday, where she became known for hard-hitting exclusives. Her investigative work during this period included:
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A world-exclusive interview with one of Vladimir Putin’s early war victims, whose image circulated globally.
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A six-week field investigation into human trafficking networks at the Polish border.
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The breaking of a high-profile story on MP Rosie Duffield’s lockdown breach, which led to political consequences.
These stories not only showed Scarlet Howes’s courage and global outlook but also her ability to navigate sensitive, complex narratives while maintaining journalistic integrity.
Joining The Sun: A New Era of Investigative Leadership
Scarlet Howes joined The Sun in 2022 and rapidly rose through the editorial hierarchy. Her positions progressed from Senior Reporter to Chief Sunday Reporter, and ultimately to US Editor in August 2025.
Her time at The Sun has been marked by a string of agenda-setting investigations and front-page scoops that changed the course of national debates.
Major Investigations and Accomplishments
The Huw Edwards Scandal
Perhaps the most defining work of Scarlet Howes’s career was her leading role in uncovering the BBC’s Huw Edwards scandal. She revealed that Edwards had allegedly paid a 17-year-old boy thousands of pounds in exchange for explicit images.
This explosive investigation earned Scarlet Howes and The Sun six prestigious awards, including:
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Journalist of the Year – Society of Editors Media Freedom Awards
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Investigation of the Year – British Journalism Awards
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Scoop of the Year – London Press Club and Press Awards
Her meticulous reporting and fearless approach brought international attention, highlighting her as one of the UK’s leading investigative journalists.
Strictly Come Dancing Investigation
She also exposed abuse between a professional dancer and a female contestant on the BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing, prompting the broadcaster to revise welfare policies for its participants. This story exemplified her commitment to uncovering misconduct in powerful institutions.
Just Stop Oil Exposé
Her investigation into Just Stop Oil played a crucial role in securing the conviction of the organisation’s leaders. Scarlet Howes even testified in court, leading to unprecedented sentences that made front-page headlines across all national newspapers.
This rare blend of reporting and direct legal involvement demonstrates her influence and ethical responsibility as a journalist.
Global Coverage and Field Reporting
Beyond investigations, She has covered numerous world events, including:
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The Queen’s death and the King’s Coronation.
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The Pope’s funeral in Rome.
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The Charlie Kirk shooting in Utah.
Her ability to transition from domestic scandals to international affairs reflects the global trust placed in her editorial leadership.
Awards and Recognition
Scarlet Howes’s impressive list of accolades includes:
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Journalist of the Year – Society of Editors Media Freedom Awards.
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Investigation of the Year – British Journalism Awards.
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Scoop of the Year – London Press Club and Press Awards.
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Highly Commended Journalist of the Year – London Press Club.
Her work also contributed to The Sun being named Newspaper of the Year, further establishing her influence within the newsroom and beyond.
Leadership as US Editor of The Sun
In her current position, Scarlet Howes serves as US Editor, overseeing transatlantic news coverage across print and digital platforms. Based in New York, she directs stories that connect British audiences with American culture, politics, and entertainment.
Her role includes managing correspondents, editing key investigations, and ensuring The Sun’s coverage remains timely, responsible, and engaging. Scarlet Howes’s editorial decisions now shape how millions of readers view the US from the UK perspective.
Professional Ethos and Impact
Commitment to Truth
Scarlet Howes is known for her unwavering pursuit of facts and fairness. Despite working in high-pressure tabloid environments, she consistently upholds journalistic ethics and accuracy.
Champion for Accountability
Through stories that challenge political figures, celebrities, and organisations, She demonstrates that journalism can remain a cornerstone of democracy — revealing uncomfortable truths while advocating for justice and reform.
Mentorship and Representation
As a young female editor in one of the UK’s most competitive media landscapes, She inspires a new generation of reporters. Her success exemplifies how women can lead major publications with both empathy and authority.
The Future of Scarlet Howes
With her growing influence and international platform, Scarlet Howes is set to become one of the defining voices of British media in the coming decade. Her combination of editorial leadership, investigative instinct, and cross-cultural understanding continues to shape how stories are reported across continents.
Scarlet Howes’s career trajectory — from London’s local newsrooms to global editorial command — shows that dedication and ethical courage can still triumph in modern journalism. She stands not only as a US Editor, but also as a symbol of integrity and excellence in British media.
FAQs
1. Who is Scarlet Howes?
Scarlet Howes is a British investigative journalist and the US Editor of The Sun. Known for her fearless reporting and agenda-setting scoops, she has won multiple national journalism awards, including Journalist of the Year at the Society of Editors Media Freedom Awards.
2. What kind of stories has Scarlet Howes covered for The Sun?
At The Sun, Scarlet Howes has led major investigations such as the Huw Edwards scandal, the Strictly Come Dancing abuse case, and the Just Stop Oil court exposé. She also covers major world events including royal ceremonies and political developments from the US.
3. Did Scarlet Howes work for the Daily Mail before joining The Sun?
Yes. Before joining The Sun, Scarlet Howes worked as a News Reporter at The Mail on Sunday, part of the Daily Mail group. There, she broke several high-profile exclusives, including a world interview with one of Vladimir Putin’s early war victims and an investigation into sex trafficking at the Polish border.
4. What awards has Scarlet Howes won as a journalist?
Scarlet Howes has received numerous accolades, including Journalist of the Year, Investigation of the Year, and Scoop of the Year from the Society of Editors, London Press Club, and British Journalism Awards. Her work has also contributed to The Sun being named Newspaper of the Year.
5. Where is Scarlet Howes based now?
Scarlet Howes is currently based in New York, where she oversees US coverage for The Sun’s print and online editions. She continues to report on international news, celebrity stories, and major American political developments for a global audience.
