Baroness Helen Newlove, the victims’ commissioner for England and Wales, has died following a short illness, her office has said.
The peer, whose husband Garry was murdered by a gang of teenagers in Warrington in 2007, was appointed commissioner in October 2023 and was due to serve until the end of this year.
Her office paid tribute to her as a “committed and passionate advocate for victims”.
A statement read: “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.”
Garry Newlove was kicked to death by a gang of youths outside his home in Warrington.
Baroness Newlove had called for the death penalty to be brought back after her husband was beaten in front of his family outside their home in Warrington in 2007. She had campaigned on behalf of victims of crime since.
Among the tributes, the deputy Prime Minister Justice Secretary David Lammy said he is “deeply saddened”.
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.”
Gary Newlove was murdered outside his home in Warrington in 2007.
Former prime minister David Cameron, who appointed Barron Newlove as a peer in 2010, described her as a “wonderful, warm, brave and plain speaking” woman who turned the tragedy of losing her husband “into a second life of service.”
He said: “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.
Former prime minister David Cameron appointed Baroness as a peer in 2010. Credit: PA Images
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.”
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