Baroness Newlove’s term as Victims’ Commissioner extended

She had returned to the role in October last year for a 12-month term to allow for a “further campaign fill the role substantively” following the departure of Dame Vera Baird, having originally stepped down as Victims’ Commissioner in 2019 after six years in the post.

The Ministry of Justice said: “The Lord Chancellor decided not to continue with that campaign.

“Following consultation with the Attorney General and Home Secretary, the Lord Chancellor will re-advertise the role later in 2024 with revised criteria which reflect the Government’s vision for a strengthened role.

“To ensure there is no gap in cover in this vital role, the Lord Chancellor has extended Baroness Newlove’s term until December 31, 2025.”

Baroness Newlove, said: “It is an honour and a great privilege to continue serving as Victims’ Commissioner until the end of next year.

“My return to this role was driven by a motivation to ensure all victims can access their rights and have their needs met – a cause that remains very close to my heart.

“Over the past year, I am proud to have played a pivotal role in the development of the landmark Victims and Prisoners Act, and I look forward to shaping its implementation in the months ahead. It is clear that we still have a way to go before all victims feel like valued participants within our criminal justice system.”

She added: “Victims deserve a system that genuinely sees them, hears their concerns, upholds their dignity and strengthens their resolve.

“As Victims’ Commissioner, I look forward to working alongside frontline support organisations, ministers, and criminal justice agencies to rebuild our justice system so that it truly delivers for all victims – no matter the crime, who they are or where they live.”

Baroness Helen Newlove is a community reform campaigner and activist. She came to prominence after her husband Garry Newlove was murdered outside the family home by a gang of youths, all alcohol and drug-fuelled, in 2007.

After his death she campaigned to tackle anti-social behaviour and the underage and binge drinking culture.

Baroness Newlove was given a peerage in the 2010 Dissolution Honours list and sits in the House of Lords as Baroness Newlove of Warrington in the County of Cheshire.

She originally took up the post of Victims’ Commissioner on March 4, 2013, was reappointed for a second term in March 2016, and stepped down on May 31, 2019. She was succeeded by Dame Vera Baird.

On March 5, 2018, Baroness Newlove took up the office of Deputy Speaker of the House of Lords before returning as Victims’ Commissioner on October 17, 2023.