Baroness Helen Newlove, whose personal tragedy inspired a lifelong campaign to give victims of crime a stronger voice, has died aged 63.
Baroness Newlove’s activism and campaigns were driven by the murder of her husband, Garry, outside their Warrington home in 2007, after he confronted a gang of youths who vandalised their car.
Three teenagers were convicted of his murder in January 2008, and by 2010, she was made a life peer for her work on youth crime.
As a national voice for victims, she campaigned for authorities to take action against persistent anti-social behaviour and youth violence.
The Conservative peer first served as victims’ commissioner for England and Wales for six years from March 2013 to May 2019.
She was reappointed to the post in October 2023 and was due to serve until the end of the year.
Throughout her time in post, she laid the groundwork for victims’ rights to be protected by law.
Last month, she published the largest survey of victims ever carried out by the independent body.
Her office paid tribute to her as a ‘committed and passionate advocate for victims’ after she died of a short illness.
A statement read: ‘Under her leadership, the role of victims’ commissioner was transformed – growing in stature, influence and authority.
This Is Not Right
On November 25, 2024 Metro launched This Is Not Right, a year-long campaign to address the relentless epidemic of violence against women.
With the help of our partners at Women’s Aid, This Is Not Right aims to shine a light on the sheer scale of this national emergency.
You can find more articles here, and if you want to share your story with us, you can send us an email at vaw@metro.co.uk.
Read more:
‘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.’
Fellow peers paid tribute to Baroness Newlove in the House of Lords today.
Liberal Democrat Baroness Barker said: ‘Baroness Newlove’s dedication to sticking up for victims extended no matter who was in government at the time and that was a very laudable thing to witness in this House.’
Tory frontbencher Lord Kamall hailed his late Conservative colleague as a ‘fierce campaigner’ who will be missed greatly.
Justice Secretary David Lammy said he was ‘deeply saddened’ and described her as an ‘extraordinary public servant’.
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.
‘Helen was an extraordinary public servant whose life’s work and her legacy are defined by courage, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to justice.’
Former Prime Minister David Cameron took to Facebook to share his condolences: ‘Desperately sad to hear that Helen Newlove has died. Helen was so wonderful, warm, brave and plain speaking.
‘She suffered the tragedy of watching her beloved husband, Garry, being murdered by thugs – and then turned that experience into a second life of service.
‘Service to her community, to the country and to Parliament – but, most of all, service to victims of crime to make sure they got a proper hearing and a better deal.
‘It was a privilege to meet her and an honour to help her into a position where she could dedicate herself to the service of others.
‘My thoughts and heartfelt condolences are with Helen’s husband, Paul, and her daughters, Zoe, Danielle and Amy. Helen leaves a legacy that they – and we all – can be proud of.’
Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at webnews@metro.co.uk.
For more stories like this, check our news page.