Warrington Mourns a Local Hero

Updated 19.01 on Wednesday 12th November 2025

Baroness Newlove, Champion for Victims’ Rights, Dies Aged 63.

Baroness Helen Newlove, the victims’ rights campaigner and champion for safer communities, has died at the age of 63 following a short illness, her office confirmed within the last hour.

Baroness Newlove, who became a prominent public figure after the murder of her husband Garry in Warrington in 2007, is being remembered as a tireless advocate for justice and a beloved figure in her hometown and beyond.​​

Warrington Mourns a Local Hero

Baroness Newlove was appointed as the Victims’ Commissioner for England and Wales, serving with distinction from 2013 to 2019, and again as interim commissioner from October 2023.

She was also Deputy Speaker of the House of Lords, roles in which she worked passionately to support victims of crime and hold the justice system accountable.

Her efforts led to key reforms, including strengthening the Victims’ Code and advocating for tougher stances on anti-social behaviour.​

Turning Tragedy into Change

The tragic killing of her husband, Garry, in Warrington galvanized Helen’s life’s work. In the years that followed, she campaigned on issues ranging from youth crime and community safety to alcohol abuse.

Her powerful advocacy was rooted in personal experience, yet it inspired national change.

Baroness Newlove’s legacy includes a string of local and national initiatives aimed at making communities safer and giving a real voice to those affected by crime.​

Tributes Pour In

Tributes have been paid by colleagues and leaders across the political spectrum, with the Justice Secretary describing her as a “committed and passionate advocate for victims” whose courage and compassion touched countless lives.

Former Prime Minister David Cameron said Baroness Newlove “turned the tragedy of losing her husband into a second life of service,” lauding her warmth, bravery, and plain-speaking nature.​

Locally, Professor Steven Broomhead MBE, former Chief Executive of Warrington Borough Council spoke with MIX56. 

MP for Tatton, Esther McVey was devastated to hear the news this afternoon saying that Baroness Newlove was an amazing woman who really was a beacon of light.

Dave Grimshaw, formally of Chester of University Padgate Campus worked with Helen setting up Newlove FM in the town in 2013.  He remembers her as being such a positive person in the face of adversity.

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