BARONESS Helen Newlove, the Victims’ Commissioner for England and Wales, has passed away following a short illness.
A touching statement from The Office of the Victims’ Commissioner hailed the baroness as a “dear friend and respected colleague.”
Baroness Newlove headed up an independent agency of the government – sponsored by the Ministry of Justice, she was appointed to the roll in October 2023.
She promoted the interests of victims and witnesses of crime and encouraged good practice in their treatment.
The Baroness spent her life campaigning for victims of anti-social behaviour after her husband was brutally killed by a trio of teenagers.
Dad-of-three Garry Newlove had his head kicked in “like a football” by Jordan Cunliffe, Adam Swellings and Stephen Sorton.
The twisted trio set upon him when he bravely tried to stop them vandalising cars outside his Cheshire property.
Garry, 47, was rushed to hospital where he tragically lost his life three days after the teenagers launched their brutal attack on him in front of his daughters in 2007.
The sick trio, who were drunk and high on cannabis at the time, were all caged for life the following year.
Announcing the tragic death of Baroness Newlove, The Office of the Victims’ Commissioner issued a touching statement.
It reads: “Helen was a committed and passionate advocate for victims, drawing on her own experience of the criminal justice system.
“She was determined that all victims should be treated with compassion, decency and respect – and she consistently led by example.
“Under her leadership, the role of Victims’ Commissioner was transformed – growing in stature, influence and authority.
“She reshaped the office into a trusted voice and genuine force for victims: one that stands firmly on their side, champions their rights, and holds the justice system to account.
“This transformation stands as a testament to her work and will remain her enduring legacy.
“As well as Victims’ Commissioner, Helen was a dear friend and a respected colleague. She will be greatly missed.
“We ask that the privacy of the family is respected at this time.”
Tributes have been paid in the House of Lords following the tragic death of the Baroness, the announcement was made at start of proceedings today.
Justice Secretary David Lammy has said he was “deeply saddened” to learn of the death.
The Deputy Prime Minister said: “As both victims’ commissioner, and Deputy Speaker in the House of Lords, Helen brought unparalleled experience and dedication to her roles.
“She championed the rights of victims and witnesses and held agencies to account.
“Her leadership shaped the Victims’ Code, strengthened victims’ voices in the criminal justice system, and ensured that the Victims and Prisoners Act progressed with victims’ interests at its heart.
“Helen was an extraordinary public servant whose life’s work and her legacy are defined by courage, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to justice.
“My thoughts remain with her family and her loved ones at this incredibly difficult time.”
Condolences were offered to Helen Newlove’s family and friends by the Lord Speaker Lord McFall of Alcluith.
He told the upper chamber: “I regret to inform the House of the death of Baroness Newlove on November 11, and on behalf of the House I extend our condolences to her family and friends.”
He was joined by health minister Baroness Merron, who said: “We will miss her greatly.”
Lady Newlove was “such a very lovely person”, independent crossbencher Baroness O’Loan said in a moving tribute.
The former police ombudsman for Northern Ireland said: “May I pay tribute to Baroness Newlove, who was so brave and effective in all that she did in this House and in her work for victims after the murder of her beloved husband, Garry.
“Helen had such compassion, such courage, and she really was such a very lovely person, that she will be sorely missed, not only by her family, to whom I’m sure we all send great sympathy, but also by so many of us in this House and in the world beyond.
“We were indeed blessed by her presence among us.”
The Baroness is survived by her three grown-up daughters, Zoe, Danielle and Amy.
