TRIBUTES are being paid to Baroness Helen Newlove, who has sadly died after a short illness.
Baroness Newlove, the victims’ commissioner for England and Wales, has died aged 63, following a short illness, her office has said.
The Conservative peer was appointed to the role twice after becoming a campaigner and activist following the death of her husband Garry Newlove who was killed when he confronted a group of youths outside the couple’s home in Warrington.
In a statement issued this afternoon, her office said: “Helen was a committed and passionate advocate for victims,” adding that she was a “dear friend and a respected colleague” who “transformed” the role of commissioner.
Tributes were paid in the House of Lords, while Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy praised her “unparalleled experience and dedication” to her role.
She was most recently appointed to the role in 2023, and was due to serve until the end of this year. She previously served as commissioner from 2012 to 2019 aftre first being appointed by former Prime Minister David Cameron.
Calling her an “extraordinary public servant”, Lammy said: “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.
“She championed the rights of victims and witnesses and held agencies to account.”
Her office said Baroness Newlove “consistently led by example”, and that she “reshaped the office into a trusted voice and genuine force for victims”.
Her 47-year-old husband Garry, was killed when he confronted a gang of youths who had vandalised their car outside their home in August 2007.
At the time, the court heard that he was kicked “like a football” in front of his daughters during the attack.
Three teenagers were convicted of his murder in January 2008, and Lady Newlove was made a life peer for her work on youth crime in 2010.
Warrington North MP Charlotte Nicholls paid tribute saying: “Incredibly sad to learn of the death of Baroness Helen Newlove, who was a fearless and courageous advocate for victims and survivors in the fight for justice. I last met her just a few weeks ago to discuss her recommendations in her landmark report “Compensation without Re-traumatisation”, and work around violence against women and girls. Her compassion and dedication was unparalleled and completely inspiring. She will be an enormous loss to politics, missed by all those she worked so hard to support and champion, and of course most acutely by her family and friends. May her memory forever be a blessing.”
