Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments
The Secretary of State has approved an extension to Baroness Newlove’s term as Victims’ Commissioner from 17 October 2024 to 31 December 2025.
Baroness Newlove was initially appointed to the role without competition for a year from 17 October 2023 to allow for a further campaign fill the role substantively.
The Lord Chancellor decided not to continue with that campaign. Following consultation with the Attorney General and Home Secretary, the Lord Chancellor will readvertise 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 31 December 2025.
The Victims’ Commissioner independently promotes the interests of victims and witnesses, encourages good practice in their treatment, and regularly reviews the Victims’ Code which sets out the services victims can expect to receive.
Biography of the Victims’ Commissioner:
- 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 4 March 2013, was reappointed for a second term in March 2016, and stepped down on 31 May 2019. She was succeeded by Dame Vera Baird.
- On 5 March 2018, Baroness Newlove took up the office of Deputy Speaker of the House of Lords.
- On 17 October 2023, Baroness Newlove was appointed as the government’s Victims’ Commissioner for a term of 12 months.
This appointment is made by the Secretary of State under Section 48 of the Domestic Violence, Crime and Victims Act 2004, and is regulated by the Commissioner for Public Appointments. The appointment has been made in line with the Governance Code on Public Appointments.